The United Arab Emirates explains its decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries as part of a long-term shift away from dependence on oil toward a diversified, global economy.
Once heavily reliant on oil, the UAE now generates less than a quarter of its GDP from energy, with growth in sectors like technology, trade, and tourism. Leaving OPEC allows it to expand oil production beyond quotas, support global energy stability, and invest revenues into infrastructure and clean energy, according to the Financial Times.
The move also reflects broader geopolitical and security concerns, as well as a strategic goal to play a more independent and influential role in global energy markets while continuing to support the energy transition.
