In a major shift for global energy markets, the UAE has announced plans to exit OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1, 2026.

The move signals a bold step in the UAE’s long-term strategy, as it looks to gain greater control over its production policy and respond more flexibly to changing global demand.

Officials said the decision follows a comprehensive review of the country’s energy capacity and future outlook, with a focus on national interest and the ability to meet market needs more efficiently.

Despite ongoing geopolitical pressures, including supply concerns, global energy demand is expected to remain strong in the years ahead. The UAE says it is positioning itself to meet that demand with a balance of reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

The country, which first joined OPEC in 1967 through Abu Dhabi, has long played a key role in stabilising oil markets. Officials described the exit not as a break, but as an ‘evolution’,  one that allows the UAE to act more independently while still supporting global market stability.

Positioning itself as a reliable energy partner, the UAE said it will continue supplying some of the world’s most cost-competitive and lower-carbon oil, while gradually adjusting production in line with demand.

At the same time, the country is doubling down on investments across the energy spectrum, from oil and gas to renewables and low-carbon technologies, as part of a broader push toward long-term resilience and economic diversification.

Source: WAM

Price manipulation isn’t just unfair, it’s illegal in the UAE.

The UAE Public Prosecution has issued a strong warning to businesses, making it clear that inflating or fixing prices crosses the line into criminal activity, not clever strategy.

In a statement shared online, authorities reinforced that the UAE’s free-market system is built on fairness, transparency, and strict legal oversight. Any attempt to distort competition or exploit consumers is taken seriously and can carry legal consequences.

At the centre of this is Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023, which bans monopolistic behaviour, price-fixing agreements, and the misuse of market dominance. The goal: keep markets open, competitive, and fair for everyone.

The Public Prosecution also highlighted its role in cracking down on economic crimes, working closely with other authorities to detect violations and protect consumers.

The message is simple: if you manipulate prices, you’re not just bending the rules — you’re breaking the law.

Motorists in Sharjah are being reminded to stay put after any accident, no matter how minor.

Sharjah Police has issued a fresh warning that leaving the scene of a collision, even a small scratch or low-speed bump, can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

As part of a new awareness campaign, authorities stressed that every traffic accident must be reported, regardless of how insignificant it may seem. What some drivers consider a harmless parking lot scrape is officially treated as a hit-and-run if they drive away without reporting it.

The reminder comes as officials aim to clear up a common misunderstanding, many motorists assume minor incidents in residential areas or parking spaces don’t need to be reported. According to police, that’s simply not the case.

Under current traffic rules, leaving the scene of a minor accident can result in a Dh500 fine, eight black points on a driver’s record, and vehicle impoundment for seven days. Release fees can go up to Dh5,000, and repeated violations may even lead to licence suspension.

To drive the message home, police released an awareness video showing how quickly small accidents can happen in tight spaces like parking lots and narrow streets, and how easily they can turn into bigger legal issues when drivers fail to stop.

Authorities are urging motorists to stay at the scene, check on everyone involved, and report the incident through official channels, including the police app or by calling 901 for non-emergency situations.

In the end, officials emphasise that reporting an accident right away is the safest and simplest option, helping resolve matters quickly while avoiding penalties that can far outweigh the original incident.