Why the UAE’s Opec exit spells the beginning of the end of Gulf unity

AI Summary

The UAE's recent decision to exit Opec indicates significant changes in Gulf dynamics, particularly related to security and production quotas. This sudden move, lacking prior consultations with Saudi Arabia, highlights concerns over Abu Dhabi's geopolitical strategies and alliances.

On April 28, the United Arab Emirates informed the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) it was leaving. Three days’ notice. No call to Riyadh beforehand, apparently. The grievance about production quotas was years old: Abu Dhabi had threatened to quit in 2021. What’s changed has nothing to do with the barrel count. It is about who underwrites Abu Dhabi’s security when it acts on a decision Riyadh opposes. After Iran struck UAE infrastructure, Abu Dhabi sent only a foreign...