he United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday (April 28) it was quitting OPEC and OPEC+, dealing a heavy blow to the oil exporting groups and their de facto leader, Saudi Arabia.

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters the decision was taken after a careful look at the regional power's energy strategies.

Asked whether the UAE consulted with Saudi Arabia, he said the UAE did not raise the issue with any other country.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last met with UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyanon in September.

The move came after the UAE, a regional business hub and one of Washington's most important allies, criticised fellow Arab states for not doing enough to protect it from numerous Iranian attacks during the war.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (ARCHIVE - SEPTEMBER 3, 2025) (SAUDI ROYAL COURT - Access all) (MUTE)

1. UAE PRESIDENTIAL PLANE TAXIING AT KING KHALID INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

2. SAUDI CROWN PRINCE, MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN, STANDING

3. UAE PRESIDENT, SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN, WALKING DOWN FROM THE PLANE

4. BIN SALMAN GREETING AL NAHYAN AND UAE OFFICIALS

5. BIN SALMAN AND AL NAHYAN WALKING

6. BIN SALMAN AND AL NAHYAN GETTING INTO THE CAR

7. CAR DRIVING AWAY