Bani Yas finally secured their first win under Adnan Hamad as they beat Emirates 2-1 in Al Shamkha.
Hamad had overseen three straight defeats after replacing Jorge da Silva at the beginning of February but his side got off to a great start on Sunday as Salem Al Ali scored his second Arabian Gulf League goal of the season in the 12th minute.
Al Samawi were pegged back before the break though as German Herrera scored from the penalty spot.
Hamad would have been forgiven for feeling nervy as the second half got under way but his first victory at Bani Yas was secured four minutes before the hour as Nawaf Mubarak fired home.
The result keeps Al Samawi in ninth but at least allows the Abu Dhabi club to keep pace with the top half of the table.
Bani Yas are now only four points off Al Nasr in fifth.
Emirates meanwhile continue to hover one place above the relegation zone, although they are six points clear of danger.
