Photo Credit: OAPEC
Dubai, UAE — May 2026 — The United Arab Emirates has formally withdrawn from the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, the intergovernmental body announced on Sunday, effective May 1, 2026.
The exit, confirmed in a statement by OAPEC’s Secretary-General, follows the UAE’s departure from the OPEC Secretariat earlier this week, signaling a significant shift in Abu Dhabi’s energy diplomacy.
In a letter to OAPEC’s current Council of Ministers President—Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadeq—UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei communicated the Gulf nation’s decision to end its membership.
OAPEC, established in 1968, was created to foster cooperation among Arab oil-exporting nations and support joint action in the petroleum and energy sectors. In its statement, the organization expressed appreciation for the UAE’s active contributions throughout its membership period and affirmed its commitment to continuing collaboration among remaining member states through strategic programs and initiatives.
The back-to-back withdrawals have raised questions about the UAE’s evolving energy strategy as it pursues ambitious renewable energy and net-zero goals, while maintaining its role as a major global oil producer.
