President Donald Trump praised the decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on May 1, 2026 [1].
The move signals a potential shift in global oil market dynamics. If a major producer like the UAE exits the cartel, it could weaken OPEC's ability to coordinate production cuts and artificially maintain higher price floors for crude oil.
Trump described the withdrawal as a positive development for consumers. "I think it's great," Trump said [2]. He said the decision is "a good thing" for lowering gas and energy costs [3].
The president said the UAE's exit would increase oil-supply flexibility [4]. By operating outside the cartel's quotas, the UAE can potentially increase production to meet global demand without the restrictions imposed by OPEC members [4]. This increase in supply is viewed by the administration as a primary driver to bring down global oil and gas prices [4], [5].
There are varying reports regarding the timeline of the withdrawal. While some sources indicate the decision was finalized on May 1 [1], other reports state the UAE plans to fully exit the organization by the end of May 2026 [6].
Trump's support for the move aligns with his administration's stated goals of reducing energy costs for U.S. citizens. The UAE is a critical strategic partner for the U.S. in the Middle East, and its departure from the cartel may reflect a closer alignment with U.S. economic interests regarding energy independence, and market liberalization [5].
“"I think it's great,"”
The UAE's departure from OPEC suggests a move toward a more market-driven pricing model for oil, reducing the cartel's influence over global supply. For the U.S., this shift supports a policy of lower energy prices, which can reduce inflation and stimulate economic growth, while simultaneously altering the geopolitical leverage of the OPEC bloc in the Middle East.
