The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) commends the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) SWAT Team for their historic participation in the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 5โ11 February 2026.
This marks the first time Solomon Islands has participated in the prestigious international tactical competition, which is organised annually by Dubai Police.
The Challenge, now in its seventh edition since its inception in 2019 brings together elite police tactical units from around the world to foster the exchange of skills, strengthen professional cooperation, and test operational capabilities, endurance, and teamwork.
The RSIPF SWAT Team was among 109 teams representing 48 countries. Solomon Islands was notably the only Pacific Island country to field a team at this yearโs competition.
Participating countries included the United States, China, Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Philippines, Qatar, and other nations from across the globe.
The five-day competition comprised the Assault Event, Hostage Rescue Event, Officer Rescue Event, Tower Assault Event, and Obstacle Course Event. Despite it being their first participation, the RSIPF SWAT Team successfully completed four of the five events.
The Ministry further acknowledges the strong support and facilitation provided by Solomon Islands Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Cornelius Walegerea.
Through the Embassyโs coordination and engagement with relevant authorities in the UAE, the RSIPF SWAT Team was able to participate in this significant international event.
During a reception hosted by the Solomon Islands Embassy in the UAE, Ambassador Walegerea congratulated the officers for representing the country with pride and commitment.
He also encouraged the team to build on the experience gained, continue strengthening their training, and return stronger for future competitions.
At the conclusion of the Challenge, Solomon Islands placed 89th out of 109 teams with 113 points. Kazakhstan Team C secured first place with 536 points, followed by Kazakhstan Team A with 515 points, while China Police Team C finished third with 493 points.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade expresses its sincere appreciation to Dubai Police for their support and hospitality extended to the RSIPF SWAT Team.
The Ministry also welcomes assurances of continued cooperation to facilitate Solomon Islandsโ participation in future editions of the Challenge.
The Ministry also acknowledges with appreciation the valuable training and capacity-building support provided by the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China and other partners whose assistance contributed to strengthening the capabilities and preparedness of the RSIPF SWAT officers for their participation in the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026.
The participation of the RSIPF SWAT Team at the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026 reflects Solomon Islandsโ growing international engagement and commitment to strengthening professional partnerships with global counterparts.
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