[1] By the end of 2010, the AGRFU will be broken up, with new unions to be established in each member country, as announced in January 2009 by the IRB.
In addition, some Arabian royals and nobles have been sending their sons to English private schools for years, where they have picked up the game.
The sport was reintroduced by Commonwealth ex-patriates working in the oil industry, and they continue to dominate the game.
Unfortunately the Gulf War in 1990-91 created many problems, from damage to physical infrastructure, and great hardship to residents.
Original numbers dwindled as many players left the country due to the political situation within the region.