Mercedes' seven times world champion Hamilton will line up alongside on the front row, with Verstappen on the quicker soft tyres for the start and the Briton going for the more durable mediums.
The pair are level on points in the standings, with Verstappen ahead 9-8 on race wins -- meaning he will be champion regardless of where he finishes if Hamilton fails to score for any reason.
"I didn't expect that, but amazing job guys," said the Dutch 24-year-old over the team radio after being told he had secured pole under the Yas Marina floodlights for the second successive season.
"That was a fantastic lap from him," said Hamilton. "We’re in a good position with our tyres for tomorrow and I hope we can have a good race.