UAE leaves OPEC in major blow to global oil producers' group

The United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC represents a political win for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously accused the organization of inflating oil prices and “ripping off the rest of the world”

1news.media reports, citing Reuters, the UAE’s exit could weaken OPEC, which has traditionally sought to present a united front despite internal disagreements over issues such as production policy and geopolitics.

The report also stated that the move may pose a challenge to OPEC’s de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, although the UAE has said it views its decision as part of a broader reassessment of its energy strategy amid regional instability and supply disruptions.

The United Arab Emirates will also leave the OPEC+ grouping, with the decision coming amid heightened tensions in the region and disruptions affecting oil transport routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.