A major 11-day joint tactical exercise involving security forces from all Gulf Cooperation Council states concluded in Qatar Wednesday, demonstrating enhanced operational readiness and integrated response capabilities across the region.
The exercise, titled ‘Arabian Gulf Security (4)’, was conducted under the patronage of His Excellency Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force "Lekhwiya" Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who attended the closing ceremony alongside senior Gulf and US military officials.
The event brought together security agencies from all six GCC member states, alongside specialised units from the United States, reflecting the strategic security partnership between the Gulf states and Washington.
Among those present at the closing ceremony were UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Bahrain’s Minister of Interior Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa, Oman’s Minister of Interior Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al-Busaidi, Saudi Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Khalid bin Mohammed al-Battal, and Kuwait’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdul Wahab Ahmed al-Wheib.
Also attending were Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohammed al-Budaiwi and Vice Admiral Curt Renshaw, Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command, Commander of the US Fifth Fleet, and Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, alongside senior officials from GCC interior ministries.
The closing ceremony showcased various security scenarios executed by joint GCC forces with American participation, demonstrating advanced capabilities in confronting contemporary security challenges. The operations reflected sophisticated field coordination and rapid-response capabilities essential for regional security cooperation.
Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior Colonel Jabr Hamoud Jabr al- Nuaimi briefed attendees on the ceremony's main segments and security scenarios.
Proceedings opened with a military parade by the Ministry of Interior and Lekhwiya, featuring formations that highlighted continuous training, integration across security specialisations, and adherence to professional standards.
The exercise tested responses to diverse security threats, including unconventional aerial attacks, riot control, terrorist incidents, protection of high-profile figures from complex assaults, and counter-terrorism operations in populated areas. A display of vehicles and equipment demonstrated the qualitative capabilities and practical integration of joint GCC security forces.
A visual presentation documented external scenarios and highlighted military and sports competitions held among participating states —organised for the first time to enhance team cohesion, readiness, fitness, discipline, and professionalism.
The exercise comprised more than 70 training scenarios exceeding 260 hours of practical training. Activities included realistic simulations of security challenges, crisis management, and complex incidents, testing operational plans and enhancing integration among leaderships, command and control rooms, and specialised units whilst raising readiness levels.
Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Technical and Specialised Affairs Major General (Staff) Abdullah bin Mohammed al- Suwaidi, who headed the organising committee, commended HE the Minister of Interior for his direct patronage, unlimited support, and continuous oversight throughout all exercise stages.
"His Excellency's commitment to ensuring the success of the training had a significant impact on the exercise's success and achievement of the highest targeted standards," Major General Al Suwaidi said, extending thanks to all participating forces.
He said the exercise achieved its objectives in strengthening co-operation and coordination among GCC states, noting that accomplishments reflected brotherhood, unity, and the Gulf forces' capability to address various security challenges whilst protecting GCC achievements.
Major General al-Suwaidi added that the intensive fieldwork contributed to testing operational plans, enhancing role integration, and raising response readiness. "The exercise reflected the depth of joint Gulf security co-operation and the advanced capabilities of GCC security apparatus as they work to unify procedures and operations into an integrated security system," he said.
His Excellency Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Security Affairs Sheikh Naif bin Faleh bin Saud al-Thani praised participating forces' coordination and readiness in executing scenarios simulating potential risks.
"The exercise contributes to the exchange of security expertise and enhances preparation across sectors of the Ministries of Interior and Gulf security agencies," he said, highlighting the importance of joint planning, execution, information exchange, and unified decision-making in planning, management, leadership, and command and control.
He expressed confidence the exercise would positively impact performance and enhance harmony in joint operations execution, ensuring integrated cooperation for best security practices.
Assistant Director of Arabian Gulf Security Exercise (4) Lieutenant Colonel Yousef Atiq al-Hamad described the fourth edition as an extension of security exercises embodying modern security concepts based on integration, coordination, and continuous training among GCC states.
"This edition represented a qualitative leap in professionalism and was an important milestone for testing operational plans, raising efficiency, and exchanging expertise between Gulf security agencies and the strategic partner, the United States of America," he said.
The supreme committee organised a concurrent security exhibition at Qatar Mall from January 30 to February 4, featuring pavilions showcasing participating countries' field efforts, contributions, awareness materials, documentary films, innovations, smart systems, and latest security technologies.
