Why has the UAE left Opec - and why does this matter?

the united arab emirates is leaving opec after nearly 60 years as a member. the decision breaks a long-standing alliance that has shaped global oil policy since the 1960s. the uae is one of opec's largest producers, with capacity to pump around 4 million barrels per day. its exit reduces the cartel's collective output control and could give abu dhabi more freedom to ramp up production independently. the move follows months of tension between the uae and saudi arabia over production quotas — the uae wanted a higher baseline to reflect its growing capacity, while saudi arabia pushed for restraint to keep prices supported.