The United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from OPEC after nearly 60 years as a member. The move signals potential fracturing of the oil cartel, which has coordinated global crude production and pricing since its 1960 founding. The BBC reports the decision is viewed as a possible "death knell" for the organization's influence. OPEC's cohesion has already weakened in recent years as member states pursued competing interests, particularly during price wars and disputes over production caps. The UAE's departure removes a major Gulf producer from the cartel's ranks and suggests other members may follow. The withdrawal reflects broader tensions within OPEC over how to balance market share against revenue maximization, disputes that intensified after the 2014 oil price collapse and again during the pandemic. Exact timing of the UAE's exit was not specified in the report.