Dubai is set to host the world’s largest tactical teams competition as the seventh edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge takes place from February 7 to 11 at Al Ruwayyah Training City. Dubai Police has confirmed full organisational and operational readiness for the global event, which continues to attract record international participation.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Dubai Police Officers Club, attended by senior officials led by Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, along with key leaders from the organising, technical and security committees.
Organisers revealed that 114 teams from 48 countries have registered so far, with registration still open. The 2026 edition carries a total prize pool of $260,000, reinforcing the UAE SWAT Challenge’s position as the world’s largest competition dedicated to tactical and special operations units. Officials confirmed that preparations are complete at both organisational and field levels as international teams arrive in Dubai ahead of the event.
The competition will be broadcast live daily on Dubai Sports Channel and Emirates Channel, in addition to the challenge’s official digital platforms. Coverage will also be supported by international media delegations accompanying participating teams.
Speaking at the briefing, Brigadier Obaid Mubarak bin Yarouf Al Ketbi highlighted the rapid global expansion of the challenge since it evolved from a local competition into an international event in 2018, following directives of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. He noted that participation has grown from 61 teams in the inaugural edition to 114 teams this year, with last year’s event entering the Guinness World Records for hosting the highest number of participating countries in a tactical competition.
Brigadier Dr Mohammad Al Janahi described the UAE SWAT Challenge as a key international platform for testing operational readiness under realistic scenarios, promoting the exchange of expertise, and benchmarking best practices in specialised policing and rapid-response operations.
The event will be open to the public free of charge. Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri said a comprehensive media strategy has been developed, featuring a fully equipped on-site media centre with high-speed internet, production facilities, photography platforms, podcast studios and live-result screens. Broadcasts will be delivered in Arabic, English and Chinese, with digital coverage across YouTube and TikTok, and radio coverage via Virgin Radio, Dubai Eye and ARN.
During the previous edition, the challenge achieved more than one billion social media views, generated nearly 4,000 media reports, and appeared in hundreds of newspapers worldwide, underscoring its growing global impact.
Major Jamal Al Zaabi confirmed that 35 specialised judges will officiate the competition, ensuring transparency and fairness through advanced training and standardised evaluation systems.
This year’s edition will also feature 10 women’s teams, including first-time participants from China, highlighting the competition’s expanding support for female participation in tactical policing. Dubai Police will participate with two men’s teams, two women’s teams and two cadet teams from the Dubai Police Academy.
The UAE SWAT Challenge aims to strengthen international cooperation among tactical units, facilitate knowledge exchange, showcase advanced policing practices, and assess readiness in addressing complex and evolving security challenges.
