This was the game that no champion wants to take part in, settled by the only man with anything to play for.
Ali Mabkhout has been outstanding for the UAE during an underwhelming Gulf Cup title defence. His fifth strike in Riyadh settled an interminable third-place play-off clash against Oman, the sole bright spot in an instantly forgettable affair.
His coronation as Golden Boot winner seems assured. An unexpected flood of goals will be required in tonight's final for Saudi Arabia's Nasser Al Shamrani and Nawaf Al Abid and Qatar's Ali Assadalla to usurp him, the trio currently sat on two apiece.
Mabkhout's achievement is commendable. But there is understandable disappointment that it is the only title secured by the UAE in the Kingdom – much more was coveted.
The quality of finishes contained in the Al Jazira man's quintet are truly laudable. This was no exception.
Little seemed on when picking the ball up on the left-hand side of the penalty area just before the hour mark. A skip inside bought space, a rapier low finish skipping devilishly beyond Ali Al Habsi.
The Whites display was understandably low key, the pain of Sunday's semi-final exit to Saudi Arabia still fresh.
A reminder of the damage caused by that defeat came in playmaker Omar Abdulrahman's presence in the dugout, protective boot around his badly-bruised right ankle.
Eight changes were made by coach Mahdi Ali, the likes of Rashid Essa, Ismail Ahmed and Habib Fardan given the platform to push for a bigger role in January's Asian Cup.
Khamis Esmail's diligence in defensive midfield was sorely missed against the Green Falcons, suspension robbing the holders of essential cover. His presence at an empty Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium was typically lifting.
As evidenced for Al Jazira already this season with his thunderbolt at Al Dhafra, the 25 year old is far more than a clogger. He nearly found another memorable goal, Al Habsi at full stretch to tip a dipping 30-yard shot onto the post.
This was as good as got during an opening period played at testimonial pace.
The break brought a change in desire from both combatants, first touches more convincing and runs more telling.
Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa will certainly have appreciated the platform presented by the Red Warriors' greater vigour.
First-choice Ali Khaseif has been poor in Saudi Arabia. It is questionable whether he could have pulled off the excellent save from substitute Hussain Al Hadri's header on current form.
This was not the only moment of panic for the UAE after the interval. Two awful misses preceded Mabkhout's breakthrough, Ahmed Kano dragging wide from the edge of the box before Juma Darwish contrived to miss an open goal from close-range.
The celebrations were understandably muted upon the final whistle.
An overnight trip to the Holy City of Mecca will be undertaken prior to today's return to Dubai. How the Whites will wish the Khaleej trophy was travelling back with them.
