Rwanda Police Wins Bronze at Dubai Counter-Terrorism Competition

DUBAI, February 11, 2026 - The Rwanda National Police SWAT Team I secured a bronze medal at the UAE SWAT Challenge, an international counter-terrorism competition held in Dubai, bringing together 109 police and military teams from around the world. The event tested tactical skills across five categories, including obstacle courses requiring strength, teamwork, wall-climbing, and navigation through complex terrain. During the final on February 11, teams from 48 countries tackled 19 demanding obstacles in coordinated five-member formations. RNP SWAT Team I completed the course in 3 minutes 40 seconds, earning third place in the final challenge and ultimately finishing sixth overall with 484 points. Rwanda fielded two additional teams: RNP SWAT Team II placed 14th in the final and 29th overall with 386 points. The Rwanda Defence Force SOF Team finished 15th in the final and 37th overall with 361 points. In the overall standings, Kazakhstan Police Team C won the gold medal with 536 points, followed by Kazakhstan A with silver, while China Police Team C also placed on the podium. The competition showcased Rwanda’s growing capacity in specialized counter-terrorism operations and its expanding presence in international security exercises.