[1][2] The matches served as preparation for Ireland's World Cup Super League fixtures against Afghanistan in the UAE.

[11][12] The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement saying that the match scheduled to take place on 12 January 2021 had been suspended.

[25] David Delany was ruled out of the series due to a knee injury, with Josh Little joining Ireland's squad.

[29] Two UAE players, Chirag Suri and Aryan Lakra, tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the series, and were both ruled out of the first ODI match.

[30] On 9 January 2021, Alishan Sharafu became the third UAE player to test positive for COVID-19, resulting in the second ODI match being rescheduled.