The exit of the United Arab Emirates from OPEC and OPEC+ will deal a heavy blow to the groups at a time when the war in Iran has caused a historic energy shock. DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday (Apr 28) it quit OPEC and OPEC+, dealing a heavy blow to the oil exporting groups and their de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, at a time when the Iran war has caused a historic energy shock and unsettled the global economy. The country said it would leave the organisations effective May 1.