The former Bayern Munich midfielder has been a revelation since joining Steel from fellow Iranian side Persepolis following a disagreement with club chairman Abbas Ansarifard.
Current UAE champions Al Ahli were said to be desperate to bring in the former Asian Cup top scorer in an attempt to rescue their poor domestic form and lead the club’s charge towards the AFC Champions League.
Al Ahli currently sit in seventh place in the domestic league after eleven rounds of fixtures; a full 15 points behind league leaders Al Jazira.
The Official AFC website reports that the struggling UAE outfit offered around $500,000 USD in an attempt to sign Karimi on a loan deal until the end of the current season.
Steel Azin are currently in third in the Iran Pro League after 23 matches, nine points behind leaders Sepahan.