InfoHub Logo

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially withdrawn from the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)، marking the end of a 58-year membership. The announcement was made by the association of Arab oil producers.

The UAE's decision to leave was formally communicated through a letter from the Minister of Energy، Suhail Al Mazrouei، to the OAPEC General Secretariat. The withdrawal is set to take effect on May 1، 2026.

Reasons for Departure

This move follows a previous announcement in May that the UAE would also exit the broader OPEC and OPEC+ alliances. The government cited disagreements over oil production quotas as the primary reason for these decisions. The UAE aims to increase its production، taking into account market demand and current conditions.

OAPEC، established in 1968، has been a significant platform for coordinating oil policies among Arab nations. The UAE's departure after nearly six decades raises questions about the future direction of the organization and its influence on global energy markets.

The implications of this withdrawal are yet to be fully understood، but it signals a potential shift in the UAE's energy strategy، prioritizing its own production goals over collective quota agreements.