Daily Management Review

UAE states that its exit from OPEC was dictated by long-term economic considerations


05/18/2026


UAE Energy Minister Mohammed Ali Al Mazrouei said on Saturday that the nation's choice to exit OPEC was driven by long-term economic assessments and its energy capabilities.



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The minister was quoted by Al Jazeera as stating that the choice was motivated purely by the UAE's national interests, its position as a dependable energy provider, and its dedication to maintaining market stability.

 He stressed that the emirate's decision was not motivated by a political agenda and did not indicate any conflicts with its partners.

Al Mazrouei concluded that the UAE's choices are sovereign and strategic, motivated by national interests rather than external conjecture.

The UAE, generating around 3-3.5 million barrels of oil daily, declared its exit from OPEC and the OPEC+ agreement starting May 1. The choice has not been officially established following OPEC protocols.

Bloomberg, citing sources, wrote that the UAE had earlier sought to convince Saudi Arabia and Qatar to engage in joint military operations against Iran's attacks on the Persian Gulf nations, but were turned down.

source: aljazeera.com