Malaysia, who will share next month's continental showpiece with Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, fell behind to Bruno Metsu's side after nine minutes as Faisal Khalil slammed home a rebound from Nawas Mubarak's initial effort.

Akmal Rizal Rakhli and Hairuddin Omar both missed chances in the first-half for Malaysia before substitute striker Ismail Matar doubled the UAE's advantage eight minutes after the restart.

Matar, top-scorer when the UAE landed a maiden Gulf Cup crown Metsu in January, converted from close range before Mohamad Al Shihi capitalised on a defensive error to add a third eight minuets after the hour mark.

Eddy Helmi Manan's second-half introduction appeared to spark the home side into life as the midfielder opened up the UAE on several occasions with a string of defence-splitting passes.

The home side finally grabbed a late consolation as Eddy crossed from the right and Akmal, who had missed two early chances, converted from close range.

"The result is not as important as how we played," said UAE coach Metsu, who is hoping to guide his side out of Group B of the Asian Cup ahead of defending champions Japan, Qatar and Vietnam.

"I told the players that they must forget the result as this match is only a preparation - the actual matches in the Asian Cup will be different."