The most popular theory is that the name
was coined during the severe winter of 1962/63. It was so bad that between 22nd December
and 2nd March, United were able to play only three times. One of these was a Scottish Cup
tie against Albion Rovers, for which the management, in a desperate attempt to get Tannadice
playable, hired a tar burner to melt the several inches of snow and ice. Hundreds of tons
of sand were then spread on the pitch, so that not a blade of grass could be seen.
United adapted well to this playing surface and won 3-0.
This led to them being dubbed 'The Arabs'.
But it was the club, not the fans to which the name referred.Today, and for at least the last 25 years, it's been the fans, not the players, who are known as Arabs. No-one can recall the team having a nickname other than The Terrors, so it seems likely that around the mid 60's the name 'The Arabs' was adopted by Tannadice regulars. For whatever reason it stuck and today, more than ever United fans are proud to be an Arab.
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