The rivalry began in 1974 when both clubs were formed in the same city and neighborhood, both teams are less than two kilometers away from each other, but both clubs only started to play more often in the 1980s when Al Jazira finally got promoted to the UAE League. The rivalry was intensified during the 90s when Al Wahda experienced a rise in the league, winning their first title in 1999 while Al Jazira fell short and would have to wait until 2011 to experience their first league title. In 2005–06 season, Al Wahda's 5–1 victory over Al Jazira denied them the league title as Al Jazira finished two points behind them and the league winners Al Ahli. In 2009–10 season, Al Jazira was set to win the league unbeaten but ultimately lost 2–1 to Al Wahda and lost first place, Baiano who was a former Al Jazira player scored both goals in that match. Al Wahda would win its remaining games to clinch the title. Al Jazira would later manage to do the double in 2011 where they won their first league title and smashed Al Wahda 4–0 in the President's cup final.[2]