Organisers revealed that 114 teams from 48 countries have registered to compete so far, with registration still open. The total prize pool for the 2026 edition stands at $260,000, reinforcing the event’s position as the world’s largest tactical teams competition.
Officials confirmed that preparations are complete at both organisational and field levels, as international teams continue to arrive in Dubai ahead of the event.
The competition will be broadcast live daily on Dubai Sports Channel, Emirates Channel, and the challenge’s official digital platforms, alongside coverage by international media delegations accompanying participating teams.
Record-breaking global growth
Speaking at the briefing, Brigadier Obaid Mubarak bin Yarouf Al Ketbi highlighted the rapid international growth of the UAE SWAT Challenge since its transformation from a local competition into a global event in 2018, following directives of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.
He said the challenge has become the world’s largest event dedicated to tactical and special operations units, with increasing participation from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Last year’s edition entered the Guinness World Records for hosting the highest number of participating countries in a tactical competition, with 46 nations represented. Participation has since grown from 61 teams in the inaugural edition to 114 teams this year.
Platform for tactical excellence
Al Mansouri noted that Dubai Police will once again deploy its Virtual Outreach & International Communication Engine (VOICE) to engage global media organisations and support live broadcasting.
During the 2025 edition, the UAE SWAT Challenge achieved more than one billion social media views, generated 3,900 media reports, and appeared in 522 newspapers across 49 languages. Coverage included 165 hours of television broadcasting by 70 international channels.
The official website recorded 18 million visits, while more than 35 podcast episodes were produced through interviews with participating teams.
Judges and competition format
Aghaddir is a senior news reporter at Gulf News with more than a decade of experience covering the UAE’s most pressing developments. Known for her sharp eye for detail and deep expertise in the country’s legal and security systems, Aghaddir delivers journalism that clarifies complex issues and informs public discourse.
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