Steel, Strategy and Sand: Inside the UAE SWAT Challenge Arena

A Global Stage of Precision and Preparation

The UAE SWAT Challenge has grown into a magnetic global stage, drawing elite tactical police and special forces units. Teams arrive highly trained and resolute, and they push boundaries through intense drills and simulated real-world scenarios. Consequently, participants sharpen both physical endurance and decision-making under pressure.

Moreover, the event fosters meaningful exchange. As teams compete, they also share tactics, lessons learned, and training techniques. Thus, camaraderie strengthens across borders even as rivalry fuels excellence.

Voices from the Field

DUBAI, UAE, - The UAE SWAT Challenge continues to strengthen its position as a leading global platform bringing together elite tactical police and special forces units from around the world, according to commanders participating in the 7th edition, which runs from 7-11 February 2026 in Dubai.

Team leaders said the challenge plays a vital role in enhancing operational readiness by improving physical and mental preparedness, reinforcing teamwork under pressure, and simulating realistic policing scenarios that closely reflect daily field operations.

Lieutenant Colonel George Rumanzi, Commissioner of Operations and Public Order at the Rwanda National Police and leader of the Rwanda team, highlighted the steady growth in both participation and performance levels. He noted that standards continue to rise with each edition, adding that Rwanda is aiming for a strong performance this year, particularly in the obstacle challenge.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Ayman Al Mugharbil, General Supervisor of the two Syrian teams, said preparations were based on detailed analysis of previous editions. He explained that specialised training facilities were developed to replicate competition conditions, supported by an intensive three-month programme focusing on fitness, tactical readiness, and complex field scenarios.

Officer Cristian Fernandez, leader of the Paraguay team and a first time participant, described the UAE SWAT Challenge as one of the world's most closely followed tactical competitions, praising the professionalism of the teams and the high level of organisation.

Officer Joffre Ortega, leader of Ecuador Team 2, said the challenge closely mirrors real policing environments, requiring precision, resilience, and teamwork, while allowing teams to exchange expertise and maintain operational readiness.

From the host nation, First Lieutenant Yasser Al Zarouni, Manager of Dubai Police SWAT Team, described the event as a global platform for knowledge exchange and cooperation, stressing that its objectives extend beyond competition to strengthening international partnerships.

Sergeant James Coddington, leader of Dallas SWAT team from the United States, said their participation was inspired by the experience of American teams in previous editions. He noted that intensive preparation aims to improve performance under pressure and sharpen tactical decision making.

Organised by the Ministry of Interior and hosted by Dubai Police, the UAE SWAT Challenge features 5 realistic challenges across five days, with teams competing for a total prize pool of USD 260,000. Competitions will be broadcast live on the official UAE SWAT Challenge YouTube channel.

Impact and Outlook

Ultimately, the challenge elevates global policing standards. Teams return home with refined skills and renewed strategies, and host cities gain a reputation for fostering international cooperation.

Therefore, looking ahead, expectations remain high. As editions progress, the UAE SWAT Challenge will likely continue to innovate, expand participation, and deepen tactical collaboration worldwide.

Two Decades of Innovation: Celebrating Dubai Science Park's Impact on the R&D Landscape

In the heart of Dubai, UAE, lies a beacon of scientific progress: Dubai Science Park. For 20 years, this pioneering hub has been nurturing the region's research and development (R&D) landscape, contributing immensely to the growth of a knowledge- and innovation-led economy. As part of TECOM Group PJSC's vibrant portfolio, Dubai Science Park has empowered countless scientific leaders and talented professionals, solidifying its status as the Middle East's leading science-focused district.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Growth

Dubai Science Park has cultivated an environment where collaboration thrives. Today, it is home to over 90 laboratories and more than 6,500 skilled professionals who are fervently engaged in advancing the life, energy, and environmental sciences. This dynamic ecosystem not only supports individual companies but also fosters partnerships between industry leaders and emerging start-ups. Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park, eloquently states, “The district has played a pivotal role in strengthening the knowledge- and innovation-led economy.” Such a commitment has allowed Dubai to emerge as a global hub for scientific innovation, attracting major players like AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and ExxonMobil, who are all contributing to advancements in their respective fields.

Moreover, the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Science Park illustrates a forward-thinking approach to intellectual property (IP) protection and patent registration. This collaboration not only enhances the legal framework surrounding innovation but also accelerates the commercialization of groundbreaking ideas, paving the way for a brighter future in scientific research.

Empowering Future Innovators

At Dubai Science Park, the emphasis on innovation extends beyond established corporations to include budding entrepreneurs. The launch of in5 Science in 2023 has been a game-changer, offering a dedicated space for start-ups to flourish. By championing scientific entrepreneurship, in5 Science provides invaluable resources and mentorship, helping future leaders like Detectiome and RelphaCare turn their visionary ideas into reality. These start-ups are not just enhancing the local economy; they are also addressing unique challenges faced by the region, such as developing a multicancer early detection test tailored to the Middle Eastern genetic landscape.

Furthermore, the DSP Leadership Network stands as a testament to Dubai Science Park's commitment to fostering community and collaboration. By connecting senior professionals from various sectors, the network facilitates knowledge exchange and creates opportunities for synergistic partnerships. This focus on community is particularly evident in collaborative initiatives like the memorandum signed between the University of Birmingham Dubai and in5 Science start-up Mentra, aimed at advancing AI-enabled mental health interventions for university students.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Dubai Science Park celebrates its 20th anniversary, it stands not only as a testament to the region's scientific prowess but also as a harbinger of future advancements. With its unwavering commitment to enabling scientific progress, nurturing talent, and fostering innovation, Dubai Science Park continues to play a crucial role in shaping the Middle East's R&D landscape. As we look to the future, it is clear that this vibrant hub will remain a cornerstone of scientific excellence, contributing to the long-term goals of Dubai's Economic Agenda 'D33' and beyond.

Empowering the Future: Thinkproject and Acwa Join Forces for Digital Transformation

In an age where digitalization defines success, the partnership between Thinkproject and Acwa marks a pivotal moment in the realm of built asset intelligence and lifecycle management. Acwa, renowned as the world's largest private water desalination company and a trailblazer in the energy transition sector, has appointed Thinkproject as its strategic digitalization partner. This collaboration aims to reshape how complex power, energy, and water assets are delivered and operated on a global scale.

Transforming Asset Management: A New Era of Efficiency

Through this innovative partnership, Acwa is not merely adopting a new platform; it is actively transforming its operational processes. The Thinkproject platform facilitates a continuous, real-time digital handover from the onset of construction, effectively accelerating the time to operations. As a result, Acwa gains portfolio-wide visibility across its diverse projects, ensuring that every stakeholder remains informed and engaged throughout the lifecycle of each asset. This newfound transparency strengthens governance, reduces risks, and enhances overall efficiency—a necessity for managing complex mega projects in today’s fast-paced environment.

Moreover, by establishing a single, connected data foundation, Acwa is standardizing its operational methods with partners, thus creating a seamless workflow that optimizes performance. As Maxime Laugier, Thinkproject’s Chief Revenue Officer, aptly pointed out, this partnership validates Thinkproject's leadership in digital asset delivery. Acwa is leveraging customized data and analytics not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to accelerate growth and scale its digital journey. This strategic focus on optimization assures faster delivery and more confident investment decisions, paving the way for long-term operational success.

A Vision for the Future: Scaling Digitalization Across Borders

The implications of this multi-million-dollar, ten-year partnership extend far beyond immediate operational improvements. Acwa's ambition to lead in the delivery of essential infrastructure is now supported by Thinkproject’s expertise in digitalization. This collaboration represents a commitment to meeting rising demands across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and even international markets stretching from Central Asia to Africa, Southeast Asia, and China. By harnessing the power of technology, Acwa is setting the stage for predictable construction and risk-controlled execution, which are crucial for success in today’s competitive landscape.

As Acwa continues to push the envelope in the realms of energy transition and green hydrogen, its partnership with Thinkproject will undoubtedly enhance its ability to deliver on its ambitious goals. The focus on optimized long-term performance of a global asset portfolio will not only benefit Acwa but also contribute to the advancement of sustainable infrastructure worldwide. As we look to the future, the collaboration between these two industry leaders will serve as a model for others, illustrating how strategic partnerships can lead to transformative change in asset management and delivery.

The partnership between Thinkproject and Acwa is not just a strategic alliance; it is a blueprint for the future of digital asset management. Through innovation and collaboration, they are poised to revolutionize how essential infrastructure is developed and operated, ensuring that the world moves toward a more sustainable and efficient future.