An Emirati official told Reuters on Wednesday that the country is reviewing its role and contributions to multilateral organizations, but is not considering any further withdrawals at the moment, a day after Abu Dhabi announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) .
The official, who asked not to be named, said the UAE is generally reviewing the viability of its membership in multilateral organizations.
This statement comes amid intense speculation that Abu Dhabi may withdraw from other regional organizations, including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, following its surprise decision to withdraw from OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance effective May 1.
The withdrawal of the UAE, one of the largest producers in the organization, widens the rift between it and Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of OPEC.
Once close allies, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have developed a growing rivalry, clashing over issues ranging from oil policy and regional geopolitical matters to competing to attract foreign talent and capital.
These statements add to a broader ongoing process of reassessing alliances in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Iran war, amid criticism that the Gulf Cooperation Council has faced for what Abu Dhabi has described as an inadequate response to the conflict.
“It is true that logistically, the GCC countries supported each other logistically, but politically and militarily, I think the position was the weakest in history,” senior Emirati official Anwar Gargash said at a forum in the UAE on Monday.
He added, “I expect such a weak stance from the Arab League and I am not surprised by it, but I do not expect it from the Gulf Cooperation Council and I am surprised by it.”
In a post on the X platform on April 10, Gargash said that the UAE would read its map of regional and international relations “carefully,” and then determine who it could rely on in the future.
The statement read, “It is too early to draw lessons from the brutal Iranian aggression. Nevertheless, we are proceeding with consolidating the concept of the state that has enshrined the success of the UAE and its model, and we are working to enhance our ability to protect and defend this nation. With the confidence of those who have triumphed over a treacherous aggression, we will carefully analyze the map of our regional and international relations and determine who we can rely on, including an economic and financial structure that strengthens the resilience of our model. A rational review of our national priorities is our path to the future.”
The UAE is a regional business and financial hub and one of Washington's most important allies. It has pursued an active foreign policy aimed at expanding its influence across the Middle East and Africa.
After being attacked during the Iran war, the UAE strengthened its ties with the United States and Israel, with which it established relations under the Abraham Accords in 2020.
The UAE views its relationship with Israel as a way to enhance its regional influence and a unique means of connecting with Washington.
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