The United Arab Emirates is reassessing its participation in multilateral organisations following its decision to exit OPEC, according to a senior official. The official clarified that while the country is reviewing its international commitments, it is not planning any further withdrawals at this stage. The move comes after Abu Dhabi’s surprise announcement that it would also leave OPEC+ starting May 1, signalling a major shift in its energy diplomacy strategy.
An unnamed UAE official stated that the government is broadly evaluating the usefulness of its membership in several regional and international bodies. However, the official stressed that no additional exits are under consideration despite ongoing speculation about possible withdrawals from groups such as the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This clarification aims to reduce uncertainty about the country’s future diplomatic direction.
Read more : UAE leaves OPEC in blow to oil cartel during Hormuz crisis
The UAE’s exit from OPEC has intensified tensions with Saudi Arabia, which effectively leads the oil-producing alliance. Once close regional partners, the two Gulf nations have increasingly diverged on energy policy, geopolitical priorities and economic competition. Analysts note that their differences have grown sharper in recent years as both countries pursue more independent strategies to expand global influence and attract foreign investment.
According to officials, the UAE is conducting a wider reassessment of its foreign relations following recent regional developments, including the Iran conflict. Senior adviser Anwar Gargash said the Gulf Cooperation Council showed limited political and military coordination during the crisis, prompting Abu Dhabi to reconsider its reliance on regional alliances. He added that the UAE expected stronger collective action from its partners during periods of heightened tension.
Read more : United Arab Emirates Leaves OPEC, Reshapes Global Oil Market
Gargash further stated that the UAE remains committed to strengthening its economic and financial position while maintaining what it describes as strategic autonomy. He emphasised that future partnerships will be evaluated based on reliability and long-term national interests. This approach reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader effort to balance regional cooperation with independent decision-making in foreign and economic policy.
Despite its reassessment of regional groupings, the UAE continues to maintain strong ties with the United States and has expanded relations with Israel since normalising ties under the Abraham Accords in 2020. Officials say these relationships provide strategic and economic leverage, particularly in connecting Abu Dhabi to Washington’s policy influence. The country continues to position itself as a global financial hub while reshaping its diplomatic footprint in an evolving geopolitical landscape.