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"Emirati journalist Mohamed Al-Hammadi spoke in an interview on Friday about the most prominent reasons for the United Arab Emirates' withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+, the significance of the timing, how it will affect global oil markets, and the organisation's status following this decision. "The UAE does not view the matter from a political angle as much as an economic one: how it can increase production, maintain global oil availability, and ensure consumers benefit from oil at reasonable prices," Al-Hammadi said. "I believe the timing was significant in its connotations because it came at a point where it did not impact oil prices. This reflects both intelligence and responsibility on the part of the UAE; it was keen to take this step when it would not disrupt oil markets or affect other producers," he added. Regarding the reasons and benefits of this withdrawal, the Emirati journalist remarked, "The UAE saw this as the most opportune time because, once the Strait of Hormuz reopens, there will undoubtedly be renewed movement and production." "Today's decision will undoubtedly remove this restriction, enabling it to produce the quantities it is capable of, thereby benefiting the state and consumers worldwide," he persisted. On OPEC's future without the UAE, Al-Hammadi said the organisation would survive, noting, "I believe such a scenario has been on the table for a long time. OPEC and its leadership are aware of the UAE's direction." "The UAE produces approximately 13 percent of OPEC's share, meaning we are still talking about over 77 percent for the other member states. I believe an organisation like OPEC, which is nearly sixty years old, is capable of handling the departure of a member in a way that prevents collapse," he stated. Talking about American reactions, particularly from President Donald Trump, Al-Hammadi asserted, "The UAE's decision does not look toward praise from Trump or criticism from others. The UAE's decision is a sovereign one; just as it is sovereign, it is economic and not political, despite how some try to frame it." "Today, the UAE feels it has made the right and sound choice at the right time, one that harms no one, but, on the contrary, may benefit various parties. This stems from the UAE's policy and its local national trends, as well as its global responsibility toward the international community and the world economy," the journalist continued. Trump praised the UAE's decision on Wednesday, describing it as 'great' and a "good thing for getting the price of gas down, getting oil down, getting everything down." Journalist Mohammed Al-Hammadi touched upon relations with other Arab OPEC members, detailing, "The UAE was very clear, and I believe the signals it sent to everyone indicated that it will remain responsible within its framework, even from outside the organisation. Its cooperation with oil-producing nations will remain fruitful and ongoing." The UAE officially announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ on Friday. It had joined the organisation in 1967 through the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and maintained its membership after the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. The UAE loses roughly 1.5 million barrels per day due to its OPEC production commitments – the capacity it will now be free to exploit."
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