The United Arab Emirates has clarified that its decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is not aimed at any specific country, but is instead driven by its economic and strategic priorities.
Speaking on Monday, Sultan Al Jaber, who also leads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), said the move reflects the country’s intention to reposition itself within the evolving global energy landscape.
“The United Arab Emirates’ sovereign decision to reposition itself within the global energy landscape, and to exit OPEC and OPEC+, is not aimed at any nation,” Al Jaber said at a conference in Abu Dhabi.
The decision, which took effect last Friday, follows months of tension between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over oil production quotas, foreign policy differences, and regional conflicts.
Despite the strained ties, the UAE insists the move is rooted in national interest. Al Jaber explained that the withdrawal would give the country greater flexibility to expand investments, grow production capacity, and strengthen its economy.
Analysts believe the exit of the UAE, previously OPEC’s fourth-largest producer, could weaken the cartel’s influence over global oil prices and deepen rivalry within the Gulf region.
The UAE has long expressed frustration with OPEC’s production limits, which capped its output at about 3.4 million barrels per day.
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Abu Dhabi is now targeting an increase to five million barrels daily by 2027.
In line with this ambition, ADNOC has pledged to invest $55 billion in new projects over the next two years, with additional oil revenues expected to support expansion into sectors such as artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
Al Jaber noted that the decision is part of a broader economic transformation strategy aimed at building a more resilient and diversified economy.
“There is a great difference between those who focus only on surviving crises and those who seize them as opportunities and turn them into new beginnings,” he added.
While other countries have exited OPEC in the past, the UAE stands out as one of the most significant producers to take such a step, marking a major shift in the global energy landscape.