UAE Swat Challenge: Dubai Police Academy teams to take on world’s best

Crack crimefighters from 48 countries will display their skills in the emirate next month

Members of the Royal Thai Police team at last year's UAE Swat Challenge. Pawan Singh / The National

Aspiring UAE police officers will be given the chance to pit their wits against elite crimefighters from around the globe at this year's UAE Swat Challenge in Dubai.

Three teams from Dubai Police Academy will be among 114 squads drawn from 48 countries competing for a total of Dh1 million in prizes at the sixth annual event, being staged at the Dubai Police training centre in Al Ruwayyah from February 1 to 5.

Six student teams will line up for the competition, marking the first time academies have taken part.

The UAE Swat Challenge offers seasoned task forces an opportunity to sharpen their skills, while promoting co-operation and the sharing of international expertise.

Entrants will be put through their paces in a series of challenges, including tactical exercises, assault and obstacle courses, officer rescues and tower climbs, designed to assess tactical acumen, mental focus and physical endurance.

First Lt Yaser Al Zarouni, leader of the Dubai Police teams said the force's student teams were ready to rise to the challenge next month.

“The students were trained by the same coaches who prepare Dubai’s specialised tactical units,” he said.

“Their passion and drive are impressive, and they are eager to prove their capabilities. If they win, they will receive the same prizes as the professional teams.”

Five all-women teams and eight debutant outfits will be hitting the ground running in Dubai.

The UAE will be represented by three teams from Abu Dhabi Police, three from Dubai Police, one from Ajman Police, one from Fujairah Police, one from Ras Al Khaimah Police, three teams from the Police College under the Ministry of Interior, two teams from the Ministry of Interior’s Special Security Forces, and one team from the National Guard.

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  Leading the Dubai women's team at the UAE Swat Challenge this year is 2nd Lt Afra Hareb Al Nuaimi, 27. Leslie Pableo for The National

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  The Abu Dhabi Police women’s team at the UAE Swat Challenge, held at Dubai Police training centre, in Al Ruwayyah. Pawan Singh/ The National

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  The Abu Dhabi women’s team is taking part in the Challenge for the first time. Pawan Singh/ The National

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  The Abu Dhabi Police women’s team take on an obstacle course. Pawan Singh/ The National

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  Lobna Elhalawani is the fitness trainer of the Abu Dhabi Police women’s team. Pawan Singh/ The National

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  The Abu Dhabi Police women’s team had three months of extensive training before the Challenge. Pawan Singh/ The National

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  The Abu Dhabi Police women’s team hope to inspire more female police officers. Pawan Singh/ The National

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  The Abu Dhabi Police women’s team say they are determined in their quest to win the Challenge. Pawan Singh/ The National

Gearing up for success

A new voluntary test, the "Mountain Biking Challenge", is scheduled for January 31 and will serve as a curtain-raiser for the high-octane action.

Riders will navigate a winding, 1.35km track then dismount to compete in a shooting challenge before racing to the finish line.

“The challenge not only allows teams to show their tactical excellence but it also fosters international collaboration,” said Maj Gen Abdullah Al Ghaithi, assistant commander in chief for operations at Dubai Police.

“Organising this large-scale event involves significant logistical co-ordination, including the secure transport, storage, and return of weapons and equipment brought by participating teams.

“However the UAE is capable of managing such operations smoothly, further underscoring the country’s leadership in hosting global events.”

A panel of 33 referees will lay down the law during the five-day extravaganza, with 28 officials drawn from Duabi Police joined by five experts from the US.

“The referees have undergone workshops and rule review sessions to maintain high standards of judging,” said Maj Jamal Al Zaabi the head of the technical committee.

The UAE Swat Challenge, which was launched in 2019, is organised by Dubai Police and held under the patronage of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.