ABU DHABI - The OPEC Decision Makers - Part 3.

Abu Dhabi, the leading emirate in the UAE, is a relatively low profile but powerful member of OPEC. It is the wealthiest member of the bloc and, because of its huge foreign exchange reserves and assets, is able to withstand sustained low oil prices. Although its presence in OPEC is as the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the only emirate represented. Dubai and the other UAE emirates do not abide by Abu Dhabi's commitments to OPEC or to OAPEC decisions, but their production levels are small enough not to be regarded as a significant market factor.

Decision making in Abu Dhabi for oil or gas policies involves a small number of people grouped in the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC), which is in charge of the hydrocarbon sector in Abu Dhabi. Ultimate authority rests with the ruler of the emirate, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is now widely regarded in the Middle East as well as overseas as one of the wisest leaders to have emerged in the Middle East in the 20th century.

Unlike other GCC rulers, Shaikh Zayed heads a federation of seven emirates that forms the UAE. So his decisions must be based not only on what is best for Abu Dhabi but for the UAE as a whole. At the same time, like other GCC rulers, he must consider the subtle internal politics of the ruling family and leading Abu Dhabian clans, which makes his task very complicated. But it is a task he has executed with supreme skill for nearly three decades.