Over 70 teams descend on Dubai for 5th UAE SWAT Challenge

Over 70 special forces and tactical units from all over the world have come to Dubai to compete in the 5th edition of the UAE SWAT Challenge. 

The event runs from the 3rd to the 7th of February and it is completely free and open to the public to watch up close. 

Events include the Tactical Competition, Officer Rescue and Obstacle Course.

Training City in Al Ruwayyah will see 73 teams from 41 countries participating, including 5 all-women teams from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Belarus, Chile and Thailand.

The women’s SWAT units can train, execute and deliver just as well as men’s teams according to First Lieutenant Yasser Al Zarooni, Director of the Dubai Police SWAT Team, who spoke to the ARN News Centre on Monday.

The Dubai Police Women’s team came 10th in last year's challenge, beating 45 men’s teams.

The challenge also proves to be a competition within a competition as multiple teams are representing countries such as the United States, Bahrain and Chile - the interdepartmental rivalry adding another facet of excitement.

This year, prizes worth $260,000 are being handed out across the competition, with the final day seeing the overall winners claim a grand prize of $80,000.

Tickets are still available online through Dubai Platinumlist and Virgin Megastore.