The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1. Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei stated that the decision is driven by strategic economic reasons, aiming to provide the UAE with greater autonomy over its oil production. The move is part of the country's "Make it in the Emirates" strategy, which seeks to enhance domestic industrial growth by ensuring more energy independence. The UAE, previously OPEC's third-largest producer, has expressed dissatisfaction with the production quotas imposed by the group, which it claims have hindered its industrial expansion. Analysts predict that OPEC will lose approximately 15% of its total production capacity following the UAE's exit, impacting the organization's market influence. This decision follows Angola's departure from OPEC in late 2023 over similar quota disputes.