The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave the OPEC and OPEC+ alliances this week, citing national interests and a shifting long-term energy strategy as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global oil supplies.
The move marks a major blow to the Saudi Arabia-led cartel during the most severe oil shock in decades, with analysts warning it could weaken OPEC’s ability to stabilise markets and increase volatility once shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes.
The UAE, one of the world’s largest oil producers, has long been frustrated by production limits and will now be free to increase output independently, further exposing tensions within the oil-producing bloc.
Image credit: Luca Cavallin
