Qatar, on Monday, January 26th, 2026, launched Arabian Gulf Security 4, a joint tactical exercise bringing together security agencies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the participation of specialised units from the United States.
The exercise was inaugurated under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force “Lekhwiya,” in the presence of senior security officials from GCC member states. Representatives included heads of higher committees overseeing the exercise, as well as commanders and officers from participating agencies. The UAE’s security forces are among those taking part.
Running until February 4, the exercise includes more than 70 field-based scenarios and over 260 training hours. These simulations address complex security challenges such as counter-terrorism operations, combating organised crime, emergency response, critical facility protection, and joint command-and-control coordination through specialised operations rooms.
Brigadier Abdulaziz Ahmad Al Hajri, commander of the UAE security force participating in the exercise, said the UAE’s involvement reflects its commitment to strengthening Gulf security cooperation and enhancing collective preparedness to address evolving risks and threats. He noted that the exercise provides a valuable platform to test operational plans, improve force readiness, and exchange expertise among regional and international partners.
