Special tactics: Dubai braced for biggest SWAT Challenge

Dubai: The stage is set for the sixth edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge, said to be the largest event of its kind, delivering “the most extensive and ambitious instalment” since its inception as a global event in 2019.

Hosted by Dubai Police, this tactical spectacle will bring together 114 elite teams from 48 countries to compete in a display of skill, strategy, and stamina. Scheduled to commence on February 1, the event will take place at the Al Ruwayyah Training City, a hub for tactical training.

This year’s challenge marks a milestone, welcoming teams from eight countries participating for the first time, alongside five women’s teams and six debut entries from police colleges and academies.

With total prize money of $260,000, the event promises “fierce competition” and daily live broadcasts via Dubai Sports TV, Emarat TV, and the challenge’s official social media platforms. International media delegations will amplify the event’s reach.

The announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday at the Dubai Police Officers Club, attended by Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations; Brigadier Obaid Mubarak Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Organising Committee; Major Jamal Al Zaabi, Head of the Technical Committee; Brigadier Musbah Saeed Al Ghafli, Director of the General Administration for Security of Bodies, Establishments, and Emergencies; and Colonel Saud Al Rumaithi, Deputy Director of Community Happiness.

Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said: “The UAE SWAT Challenge 2025 has become the largest event of its kind, drawing tactical units from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.”

Speaking to Gulf News, Brig Al Ketbi, said: “We have mobilised all resources to ensure the challenge reflects Dubai’s reputation for unparalleled excellence in hosting international police and sports events. Participating teams have already begun pre-event preparations at Al Ruwayyah Training City.”

Five challenges, one goal

The competition will test participants across five events: Tactical Challenge, Assault Challenge, Officer Rescue Competition, Tower Challenge and Obstacle Course Challenge.

Each challenge requires tactical prowess, physical endurance, and teamwork. Points will be awarded daily, with the top three teams celebrated each evening. The grand finale will honour the overall champions who earn the highest cumulative scores.

“It’s a unique opportunity for teams to showcase their readiness and learn from the best practices in rapid response operations,” Brigadier Al Ketbi added.

Women’s teams

The growing presence of women’s teams is a highlight of the 2025 edition. The Dubai Police Women’s Team, participating for the third time, will compete alongside teams from Abu Dhabi Police, Sharjah, Brazil, and Thailand.

First Lt Yasser Al Zarouni, Director of the Dubai Police Ladies Team, told Gulf News that the Dubai Police Women’s Team is prepared to face all five challenges, in accordance with the directives of Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and building upon the success achieved by the women’s team. The team showed competitive results in the previous edition and is now fully trained in various advanced skills like tactical shooting, breaching, sniping, and endurance.

Meanwhile Brig Al Ketbi also announced a new mountain bike competition, set to take place on January 31 at the Al Ruwayyah Training City. The optional race features a 1.35km winding track leading to a target shooting zone, concluding at the finish line. Participants teams will be eligible for cash prizes.