The UAE suffered a rude awakening on the first day of their new era as they were soundly beaten by Ireland in the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy. The hosts had been without a coach for the best part of five months before the start of the competition in Ajman. Oscar Nauhaus, the new incumbent, had around a week to prepare his new charges for the 10-team event after being appointed as the replacement for Ahmed Raza, who is the new men's coach.