The AFC conducted a survey on their official website to determine the most prominent fan base in Qatar, revealing that Al-Arabi secured the top position with 41% of the votes, closely followed by Al-Rayyan in second place.

Their popularity outside the Middle East was bolstered by their achievements and national team players, until 2003 when it reached its peak with the signing of Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta.

[3] It placed 14th in the International Federation of Football History & Statistics's 1901–2000 Asian Club of the Century poll.

The dream team had come to fruition with the likes of Marco Antônio and Richard Owebukeri, who were the top scorers in the league at one point.

Not satisfied merely with local success, the team achieved runners-up position in the AFC Champions League in 1995.

Factors which impacted this may include the departure of Mubarak Mustafa and the increase of competitiveness from local clubs.

In the 2002 season, Al-Arabi finished in 7th place, the lowest position since its debut in the Qatar Stars League.

Furthermore, they suffered their largest-ever defeat against Al-Sadd that season when they were beaten 7–0, which resulted in the sacking of their coach Cabralzinho.

The beginning of the 2011–12 season looked bright for Al-Arabi, with the club winning its first domestic silverware in 13 years after defeating Umm Salal SC in the final of the 2011 Sheikh Jassem Cup.

The stadium was used extensively during the 2006 Asian Games, and was a venue for several different sports, including football, table tennis, rugby sevens and fencing.

The Iraq national football team played its 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) games at the ground.

Al-Arabi's clashes with Al-Sadd are considered the season's biggest as they are contested by Qatar's two most successful teams.

[12] Al-Arabi always regarded itself as the club of Qatar's working class, in contrast to the more upper-class support base of Al-Sadd.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Present and past managers of Al-Arabi (incomplete):[15][16] (* denotes caretaker role) Last updated: 8 October 2011Source: Board of Directors