They took the lead at the Mohamed Bin Zayed stadium in the 14th minute with a goal from Mohammed Al Shehhi and sealed their win with a second half goal from Faisal Khalil.

As a result, Bruno Metsu's side climbed to the top of Group Five, taking advantage of the scoreless draw between Iran and Syria in the other match of the group.

Kuwait showed their attacking intentions early in the game when Mohamed Jarragh fired a long-range effort, which went directly towards UAE goalkeeper Majed Nasser.

They survived that early scare and stunned their visitors with a goal in the 14th minute.

Subait Khater sent a free-kick into the area and Mohammed Al Shehhi connected with a looping header past goalkeeper Khaled Al Fadhli.

Kuwait tried to get back into the game and they nearly leveled the scores but Jarragh's shot went over the crossbar.

In the second half, UAE went on the attack aiming to double their advantage and they nudged further ahead in the 53rd minute.

It was Faisal Khalil who rose highest to head home a corner.

Kuwait controlled the proceedings in the closing stages and they should have pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute, when Al Sheikh's close range header was pushed wide by Majed Nasser.

UAE successfully held on to their lead for a winning start in the qualifiers.