Stories from Abu Dhabi · UAE

Emiratis are reportedly losing patience regarding long-term dealings with Iran after years of enduring Iranian strikes. A White House official reported that a meeting of oil executives chaired by President Trump heard the blockade could be maintained for months if needed. Oil prices reached over $117 a barrel, the highest this month. Tehran maintains it will continue disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Parliament Speaker and head of the Iranian negotiating delegation stated that the United States is using a naval blockade and media attacks to squeeze Iranian sovereignty. The benchmark Brent Crude hit a specific price per barrel following the news. TotalEnergies reported a 51% increase in results, which is partially attributed to rising oil prices. The Grenouille-Lorcher refinery in Normandy recorded $1.3 billion in additional profits compared to Q1 2025.

The United Arab Emirates has limited its crude oil production to approximately 70 million won, according to YTN Radio. The United Arab Emirates is actively constructing pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate geopolitical risks. The UAE is acting in a manner consistent with its own interests regarding OPEC and oil production. The UAE aims to immediately release full production capacity to compensate for economic losses caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. As an OPEC member, the UAE holds differing positions from Saudi Arabia regarding OPEC and OPEC+ management. The UAE argues that current quota-based management restricts its national infrastructure development and production expansion. The source notes that losing the UAE would be a impact for OPEC and OPEC+ groups.

The United Arab Emirates has announced its departure from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Global demand is projected to increase by 1 to 2.5 million units annually over the next decade, potentially reaching 3 million. UAE production increases are expected to absorb this demand and offset production declines in countries with fewer investments. This move aims to avoid long-term production restrictions and bypass potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz by shipping via the Gulf of Oman. The move caused a momentary decrease in oil prices. The UAE is currently the world's third-largest energy exporter. This departure occurs during a period of existing market volatility. The move affects both the original and the extended versions of the organization. OPEC's primary objective is to maintain stable oil prices.

A senior UAE official, Garga, stated during a meeting ten days ago that the GCC holds its weakest political and military position in history. The UAE is currently re-evaluating its regional and international alliances to identify reliable partners.

The UAE is currently re-evaluating its regional and international relationships to identify reliable partners. The official said that strategic autonomy remains a long-term choice for the UAE. This assessment follows the outbreak of war in Iran.

The United Arab Emirates intends to maintain a responsible position within energy markets.

The United Arab Emirates is pursuing a political and diplomatic offensive against Saudi Arabia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that UAE authorities did not warn Russian leadership of the decision to exit. Peskov suggested the UAE is unlikely to implement aggressive production policies to avoid causing oil price volatility. Markets are currently pricing in a prolonged blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE plans to increase crude oil production in opposition to Saudi Arabia's policies. This move follows recent discussions regarding the group's production and membership. The withdrawal will be effective starting this Friday, May 1. This move is described as a blow to the major oil producers' alliance and a sign of deeper divisions within the group. Tensions between the two Gulf rivals have escalated over issues regarding Yemen and Iran.

damage to oil facilities and fields caused by the ongoing war will make it challenging for countries to increase production quickly. The country's relationship with the organization dates back to 1967 when Abu Dhabi joined the alliance before the state's formation in 1971. This shift occurs despite increased market uncertainty. The UAE has reached the position of third largest producer in OPEC, navigating production quota variations and geopolitical shifts within the OPEC+ framework. This capacity exceeds its current OPEC quota of 3.4 million barrels per day, though actual production has reached 3.5 million barrels per day. This approach aims to secure higher prices than those expected in a global decarbonization scenario 10 to 20 years from now. The move is framed as a response to the ongoing global decarbonization trend.

HSBC reported that a potential UAE exit from OPEC+ could have limited short-term impact on oil markets but may weaken long-term supply discipline and price management. The BBC reported that the President of the United States faces diplomatic work following these proposals.

Influential voices in the United Arab Emirates have publicly expressed feeling abandoned following a lack of unified international response to recent attacks. The UAE has reportedly endured approximately 3,000 attacks from Iran.