UAE Leaving OPEC: A Win for U.S. Control of Global Oil

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian honor granted to heads of state, to U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo courtesy of Mohamed bin Zayed.

On May 1, 2026, the United Arab Emirates’ exit from OPEC took effect. The exit is significant because OPEC produces approximately 35–40% of the world’s oil supply. As a cartel, it dictates production levels and therefore influences prices. The UAE was the third-largest producer in OPEC...