UAE Exits OPEC, Saudi Arabia's Dominance Questioned

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) decision to leave the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is viewed as a crucial turning point in the governance of the global oil market. The move, announced in early May 2026, has sparked concerns about the weakening influence of OPEC in controlling global oil production and prices. The UAE has officially exited OPEC after nearly 60 years as a member of the organisation, which has long been led by Saudi Arabia. UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei stated that the decision was taken to meet global market needs while fulfilling investor expectations for the expansion of the country’s energy sector. “The UAE owes it to investors to produce without restrictions,” Al Mazrouei said, quoted from Reuters on Wednesday (6/5/2026). ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber also described the UAE’s departure from OPEC as a strategic step to accelerate energy investments and enhance independent growth in the oil and gas sector. Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been ongoing for several years, particularly regarding the allocation of production quotas. The UAE has long felt that its production capacity has continuously increased but remains constrained by OPEC+ rules. According to a report from Oilprice.com, the UAE has sought greater production space after pouring significant investments into boosting its national oil production capacity. These differing interests are seen as increasingly widening the political divide in energy policy between the two Gulf countries. The report also noted that the leadership style of Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman is perceived as increasingly centralised and less accommodating of traditional consensus within OPEC. Several delegates reportedly feel that decisions are more often communicated unilaterally to smaller members.