Overview
- The UAE has left OPEC and the wider OPEC+ pact, a step ADNOC’s Sultan Al Jaber framed as a sovereign decision.
- Officials and analysts say Abu Dhabi wants full control of production to sell more barrels sooner and fund projects in AI, infrastructure, ports, finance, and clean energy.
- The exit lands during a Gulf security crisis that has choked the Strait of Hormuz and forced a record 400 million‑barrel emergency release from the International Energy Agency.
- After the departure, OPEC+ approved a 188,000 barrels‑a‑day increase for June that observers describe as largely symbolic while shipping stays constrained.
- Views diverge on what this means for OPEC’s sway, with OMFIF warning of weaker cohesion and Karin Kneissl saying the group remains resilient.