The United Arab Emirates has officially announced that it will exit OPEC and OPEC Plus starting May 1, according to a statement reported by the state run WAM news agency. The move marks a major shift in global oil dynamics as the UAE has been a long standing member of both groups.
Alongside the exit, the UAE confirmed that it will gradually increase oil production. This decision signals a strategic pivot aimed at responding more flexibly to global energy demand, especially during a period of supply uncertainty.
The UAE Energy Minister stated that the country has been part of OPEC and OPEC Plus for a long time, but future energy demand requires a new approach. He emphasized that the world will continue to need more energy, and the UAE wants to position itself accordingly.
The decision was taken after a careful review of the country’s broader energy and petroleum strategy. Officials highlighted that this move is aligned with long term national interests and evolving global energy requirements.
The minister also pointed out that the timing of the exit is critical. He noted that global consumers currently need strong support as strategic crude reserves are being drained at concerning levels. This situation has created what he described as an unprecedented environment in the energy market.
According to the UAE, leaving OPEC will allow the country to work more closely with partners and investors. The focus will be on meeting future global demand across crude oil, petrochemicals, and gas sectors with greater independence and efficiency.
The Energy Minister added that the decision is being implemented at the right time and is unlikely to cause major disruption to the market. He referenced existing constraints around key supply routes as a factor that helps cushion immediate impact.
UAE Foreign Ministry said leaving OPEC is its own sovereign and strategic decision. It added that the UAE will keep working closely with partners, strengthen cooperation at all levels, and support stable energy markets with more flexibility and faster response.
Russia has confirmed it will stay in the OPEC+ despite the UAE’s surprise decision to exit. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the move is a sovereign choice that Moscow respects, while stressing Russia’s continued commitment to the group.
The UAE, OPEC’s third largest producer, will leave on 1 May to ramp up output capacity to 5 million barrels per day by 2027, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov warned that if OPEC members increase production without coordination after the exit, it could put downward pressure on global oil prices.
Update: ADNOC plans massive Dh200 billion project push for 2026–2028
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has announced plans to award projects worth Dh200 billion ($55 billion) between 2026 and 2028, marking a major step in its long-term investment strategy. The move signals a shift into a strong execution phase as the company works to secure supply, expand production capacity, and boost local manufacturing.
This large-scale investment builds on ADNOC’s existing five-year capital plan and continues its strategy of strengthening the UAE’s industrial base. In recent years, the company has focused on reducing import dependence, supporting local suppliers, and protecting projects from global supply chain disruptions.
The upcoming projects will cover both upstream and downstream operations, showing ADNOC’s push toward large-scale execution. This comes as the company prepares for steady global energy demand, even while the oil and gas sector faces volatility and tighter capital discipline worldwide.
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