ABU DHABI (AFP) - Hosts the United Arab Emirates beat neighbours Oman 1-0 to win their first Gulf Cup of Nations at the Zayed Sports City stadium.

UAE took the title after Ismail Matar scored the 73rd minute winner in front of a crowd of almost 60,000.

Matar was responsible for UAE´s presence in the final as he had come up with the last gasp goal that downed defending Gulf Cup champions Saudi Arabia in the semi-final.

UAE´s star striker went close to scoring in the 31st minute but his near-post header was denied by Oman keeper Ali Habshi who produced another good save to keep the sides all square at the break.

UAE had looked the more dangerous in the first half with in particular Abdul Rahim Juma looking sharp down the right while Oman´s main chance came in the 28th minute off a free kick.