Morgan is 16 runs shy of Ivan Anderson's Irish batting record

At the close of day one, Ireland were 461-2 with Eoin Morgan and Andre Botha unbeaten on 182 and 136 after a record Irish partnership of 325.

Holders Ireland need a win to qualify for a final meeting with Canada.

Morgan is on course to become the first man to make a double century in an international game for Ireland.

The previous highest knock of 198 was produced back in 1973 by Ivan Anderson in a game against Canada.

Ireland's previous best partnership of 304 was produced by Jeremy Bray and Niall O'Brien also against the UAE in 2005.

Bray and William Porterfield shared a century stand for the opening wicket on Saturday before Porterfield with caught for 46 with the score on 122.

The UAE then claimed a second wicket with the score on 136 with Bray being trapped for 82 after hitting 11 fours in his innings.

Ireland's first day performance in the four-day encounter should do much to restore morale after their disappointing showing in the recent World Cricket League in Kenya.

Andrew White told BBC that the Irish batsman had "played superbly" on the opening day.

"The track is as flat as a pancake but the batting was superb," said White.

"We will now aim to get to 600 before lunch tomorrow before declaring."