A view shows the logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) outside its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, May 28, 2024. (Credit: Leonhard Foeger/Reuters)

UAE decision to withdraw from OPEC creates a clear divide with Saudi Arabia

After the announcement of the withdrawal, L’Orient-Le Jour reviews the political consequences of this strategic gamble with Jamie Ingram, analyst at Middle East Economic Survey (MEES).

29 Apr 2026, 07:39 by Laure-Maïssa FARJALLAH · L'Orient Today

The war in Iran seemed to bring them closer. But on Tuesday, April 28, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) surprised everyone. It announced it would leave the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+ next month. The groups include Iran. The UAE did not consult Saudi Arabia, their leader.During the consultative summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held in Jeddah on the same day, Abu Dhabi sent only its foreign minister. The diplomatic adviser to the president, Anwar Gargash, who had criticized the previous day as the "weakest political and military stance in history" among the Gulf countries in the context of the war in Iran, during which the UAE was the hardest hit.All these are signs that unease persists within the Gulf Arab family, following the indirect confrontation that took place in Yemen at the...

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