The rivalry between the two teams stems from the fact that they are the most successful clubs in Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Even though Al Ain would win five more league titles while Al Wahda only won once, matches between the two continue to spark major controversies and the two clubs rarely sign players and managers that have represented the other club to this day.
During a fixture between the two in March 2022, fighting broke out between fans of both clubs after Al Ain won 1–0.
Many argue that this rivalry is the most significant in the country as the two clubs had the longest duel of battling titles from the late 90s to early 2000s, however with teams like Shabab Al Ahli and Al Jazira gaining momentum in recent years, both clubs has shifted their focus away from traditionally competing against each other.
[8][9] Notes The number of players that have played for both clubs are limited with the exception of a few local veterans.