The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has left the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a move that signals its allegiance to America and Israel despite the ongoing war with Iran.
The UAE's decision to abandon OPEC comes as the country seeks to increase its oil production, from 3.6 million barrels a day to 5 million, in the next few years.
This move is seen as a blow to OPEC, which has been waning in influence, and may be followed by other members such as Venezuela.
The UAE's departure from OPEC is also seen as a strategic move to strengthen its ties with America and Israel, with whom it shares an intense antipathy towards Islamist extremism.
The UAE's decision is likely to be met with concern by other Arab states, which fear Israel's growing influence in the region.
The UAE's move is also seen as a message to America, where President Donald Trump can see OPEC's loss as his own strategic gain.
