The seventh edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge took place at the Training City in Al Ruwayyah, Dubai, from 7-11 February 2026, with participants drawn from elite tactical police teams from 48 countries, surpassing last year’s record of 46 nations.
Over five consecutive days, elite tactical teams competed in the Assault Challenge, Hostage Rescue Challenge, Officer Rescue Challenge, Tower Challenge, and Obstacle Challenge. Each event tested speed, precision, endurance, coordination, and the ability to operate effectively under intense pressure.
The championship features five specialised challenges and offers a total prize pool of $260,000, awarded daily to top performing teams, in addition to overall prizes presented at the conclusion of the event.
The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, alongside His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, as well as senior officers and tactical team leaders representing police forces from six continents.
Lt Gen Al Marri welcomed all participating teams and highlighted the UAE SWAT Challenge’s growing international stature, referring to the previous edition’s Guinness World Records achievement for the largest number of countries participating in a tactical teams championship.
In addition to the competitions, the event offered a lively and family friendly environment, featuring partner exhibitions and a variety of food outlets. The UAE SWAT Challenge is open to the public throughout its five-day programme, offering visitors the opportunity to watch the competitions live and support teams representing their countries.
The winning teams were honoured by His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, in the presence of Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander in Chief for Operations Affairs, Brigadier Musabeh Al Ghafli, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency, Brigadier Obaid Mubarak Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UAE SWAT Challenge, and Saif Ali Al Dahbashi, Head of Missiles and Weapons Cluster at EDGE.
On the fifth and final day, dedicated to the Obstacle Challenge, Kazakhstan B secured first place, followed by China Police B in second, while Rwanda National Police 1 achieved third place.
Now recognised as one of the largest specialised tactical competitions worldwide, the UAE SWAT Challenge continues to evolve beyond a competitive platform. It serves as a strategic international meeting point for the exchange of expertise, the showcase of advanced operational tactics, and the strengthening of global security cooperation.
This latest Guinness World Record, combined with the exceptional performances witnessed throughout the championship, further reinforces Dubai Police’s position as a global leader in organizing world class tactical events that promote professionalism, operational excellence, and international collaboration.
