The 46-year-old Argentine boasts vast experience in UAE football, having previously coached Al-Wasl and Shabab Al-Ahli as well as having a short stint in Qatar with Al-Rayyan.
He replaced Dutchman Bert Van Marwijk who was sacked after loss against Iran.
“We decided to appoint Arruabarrena due to his vast experience in UAE football, along with his good knowledge of the players’ levels and abilities,” said Hamid Al Tayer, the Chairman of the UAE National Teams and Technical Affairs Committee.