The Al Jazira was spot on from 12 yards after being fouled in the first half and made no mistake converting on what proved to be the only goal of the game at Kuwait’s Jaber International Stadium.
But despite the three points, UAE coach Alberto Zaccheroni will know it was far from an impressive performance and improvement would be needed if they are to go all the way.
Prior to the game, the Italian insisted he was relishing the challenge of the team’s tests in the Gulf Cup despite having little time to prepare for the two-week tournament.
His side were not scheduled to take part in the event considering it was due to be held in Qatar – a country in which the UAE have cut ties with since June.
But the competition was moved to Kuwait earlier this month after FIFA lifted the two-year ban on their national side competing.
Their lack of time on the training field initially showed when Oman, ranked 101 in the FIFA rankings, 28 below them frustrated the UAE in their own half.
Having seen much of the possession in their opponent’s half, Khalid Essa was called into the action by palming away Ahmed Kano’s brilliant free-kick.
But despite Oman’s encouraging start, they were left trailing 1-0 after 28 minutes Mabkhout was tripped in the penalty box, although TV replays showed there was little contact.
The striker made no mistake from the spot, sending Faiz Al Rushaidi the wrong way.
The 27-year-old could have doubled his tally for the night after being put through just moments after but the 2015 Asian Cup top-scorer scuffed his shot just wide of the post.
With the score still 1-0 going into the second-half, both sides pushed for the second goal of the evening. While Mabkhout was denited by Al Rushaidi, Omar Abdulrahman’s attempt for another penalty kick was waved away by the referee.
The UAE were unfortunate to still be holding a 1-0 lead especially when Kano raced past his marker to unleash a powerful shot across Essa’s goal.
Oman thought they had equalized when they had the ball in the back of the net and although the UAE pressed for the second, the scoreline remained 1-0.