Dubai Police break own Guinness World Record as Kazakhstan wins UAE SWAT Challenge 2026
Women teams shine in tactical and counter-terrorism challenges
DUBAI – The General Command of Dubai Police has, for the second consecutive year, set a new Guinness World Records title by hosting the largest number of countries in its “UAE Tactical Teams Challenge,” now reaching 48 nations – an increase of two from the 2025 edition.
The achievement comes through Dubai Police’s flagship SWAT Challenge, recognised globally for its high-level tactical competition.
Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, praised the professionalism and dedication of all participating teams. The event was also attended by Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Brigadier Musabeh Al Ghafli, Brigadier Obaid Mubarak Al Ketbi, and Saif Ali Al Dahbashi, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to advanced security cooperation.
Kazakhstan dominates
Team Kazakhstan “C” was crowned overall champion of the seventh edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026, scoring 536 points.
Kazakhstan “A” followed closely in second place with 515 points, while China Police “C” claimed third place with 493 points. The winning teams received honours and recognition from Dubai Police leadership during the closing ceremony.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended congratulations to the country’s special forces, praising their professional, physical, and combat readiness.
Other Kazakh teams also performed strongly, with Kazakhstan “B” placing eighth, Kazakhstan “D” twentieth, and the all-women’s team Tomiris securing eighteenth overall as the top female unit. Team Kazakhstan “C” received prize money of $80,000 for their first-place finish.
Obstacle Course winners
The fifth and final day’s Obstacle Course event highlighted speed, endurance, and teamwork. Kazakhstan “B” took first place, followed by China Police “B” and Rwanda National Police “1” in second and third, respectively.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the final day, observing competitions and meeting team leaders, praising the event’s organisation and professionalism.
UAE SWAT Challenge 2026
This year’s edition attracted 109 teams from 48 countries, reinforcing Dubai’s global position as a hub for tactical training and security cooperation. Notable first-time participants included Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENASA), debuting with air and maritime deployment units, alongside a National Police team. SENASA brought advanced operational capabilities, such as rapid response, underwater interventions, and high-level physical readiness, showcasing the evolving complexity of modern tactical policing.
The National Police of the Dominican Republic also joined for the first time with three specialised teams, including one women’s team, aiming to strengthen international cooperation and operational development.
Women in tactical roles
Female participation reached new milestones, with eight all-female teams and two mixed teams from countries including Dubai, Thailand, China, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Chile, and South Africa. The challenge offered a platform for women to demonstrate their capabilities in high-risk, specialised operational scenarios.
Teams focused on skills such as hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, tower operations, obstacle navigation, and tactical shooting, undergoing months of preparation. Leaders such as Indonesia’s First Lieutenant Nora Septiana and Thailand’s Kanchanok Subannarat emphasised the importance of speed, teamwork, and learning from international peers.