Abu Dhabi formally leaves Arab oil exporters group after earlier exit from OPEC+, marking a shift in its energy strategy.
The Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries announced that the United Arab Emirates has officially withdrawn from its membership.
In a written statement, OAPEC said it had been informed of the decision through a letter sent by UAE Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei to Libya’s Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Rajab Abdussadek, who currently chairs the organization’s Ministerial Council.
DECISION EFFECTIVE MAY 1
According to the statement, the UAE’s withdrawal from the organization came into effect on May 1, 2026. The development follows the country’s earlier decision to leave OPEC+ and OPEC, signaling a broader shift in its approach to energy cooperation frameworks.
SHIFT IN ENERGY POLICY
While no further details were provided regarding the reasons behind the move, the exit reflects a notable change in the UAE’s positioning within regional and global oil alliances.