UAE Withdraws from OAPEC After OPEC Exit

In a decisive move that reshapes the geopolitical landscape of the global energy sector, the United Arab Emirates has officially withdrawn from the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC). The announcement, confirmed by the alliance's General Secretariat on Sunday, marks the UAE's second major departure from a petroleum cartel in less than a week, following its exit from OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance on April 28.

The General Secretariat of OAPEC stated that it received a formal letter from UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei. The letter, addressed to Libya's Oil and Gas Minister Dr. Khalifa Rajab Abdul Sadiq, notified the body of the UAE's decision to terminate its membership effective May 1, 2026.

Founded in 1968, OAPEC differs from OPEC in that it does not set binding production quotas for its members. Instead, its primary mandate is to promote economic cooperation and integration among Arab oil-exporting nations. Despite this non-binding nature, the UAE's exit signals a broader strategic pivot toward total autonomy in energy policy.

The UAE's departure from both OPEC and OAPEC is described by senior officials as a "sovereign, policy-driven shift." The primary motivation cited is the need to maximize production capacity without the constraints of international quotas.

By leaving these alliances, the UAE frees itself from production limits, allowing it to ramp up output to meet global demand, particularly as exports via the Gulf resume.

Minister Al Mazrouei emphasized that the decision was made after a rigorous examination of the country's current and future energy strategies. Notably, he revealed that the move was not discussed with other member states prior to the announcement.

"This is a policy decision, it has been done after a careful look at current and future policies related to level of production," Al Mazrouei stated at the "Make It In The Emirates" conference on Monday.

Despite the withdrawal, the UAE has sought to reassure its former partners that the split is amicable. Al Mazrouei noted that the UAE left OPEC and OPEC+ on "good terms" and intends to continue collaborating with members of the groups on matters of mutual interest. He observed that OPEC remained "relatively calm" regarding the decision.

In its statement, OAPEC acknowledged the UAE's significant contributions during its membership and its historical role in supporting Arab energy-sector cooperation. The organization affirmed its commitment to continuing its strategic programs to strengthen collaboration among its remaining member states.

The UAE's exit from OAPEC, following its OPEC departure, underscores a growing trend of energy independence among major producers. While OAPEC focuses on Arab solidarity, the UAE's actions suggest a prioritization of national economic interests and production flexibility over collective Arab energy policy. As the world watches, the impact of this dual withdrawal on global oil markets and regional diplomatic dynamics remains a critical topic of analysis.