On April 28, while the truth of the US-Iran negotiations remains elusive and the regional outlook is ambiguous, the United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) effective May 1, 2026. In fact, the UAE is the country that has suffered the most Iranian strikes in the US-Israel-Iran war. Why did it choose to leave OPEC at this time? What undercurrents and power plays in the Gulf region are hidden behind its departure? What impact will this event have on the international energy market and even the regional landscape? In this episode, Wen Jing, a Middle East research expert from Tsinghua University, will attempt to answer these questions.

Guest for this episode:

Wen Jing, Assistant Researcher at the Center for Strategic and Security Studies, Tsinghua University, and Director of Media Communications for the China Forum. Her main research areas include US foreign policy, Middle Eastern diplomacy, and international communication.

Host:

Zheng Tao, Editor of Cultural纵横

01:59 Historical background of OPEC's founding 04:47 The UAE's "long-planned" withdrawal 10:35 Why Saudi Arabia has long dominated OPEC: The "central bank" of OPEC 13:58 The rivalry between the two major GCC countries 18:59 What are the long-term impacts of the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC on the international energy market?