Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), the security authorities in the country will be organising the ‘Watan Exercise 2023’ from November 6 to 8. The exercise will see the participation of military and civilian authorities in the country.

The announcement was made last week at a press conference at the headquarters of the Lekhwiya Force in Doha. It was attended by Brig Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, Director of Public Relations Department of Ministry of Interior and Commander of ‘Watan Exercise 2023’ Media Cell; Staff Col Mubarak Shareeda Al Kaabi, Assistant Commander of Lekhwiya Force for Logistics and Administration and Commander of ‘Watan Exercise 2023’; and Major Muhammed Ahmed Jaber Abdullah, Commander of Control, Command and Scenarios Preparation Cell.

Brig. Al Muftah said that the ‘Watan Exercise 2023’ aims to raise and test readiness in normal and emergency situations, especially during major sporting events and activities held in the country. It also seeks to measure the speed of response to various incidents, and to activate the mechanism of command, control and joint cooperation, to achieve integration of roles and implement the required tasks as quickly as possible. It also aims to enhance close cooperation, exchange of experiences, and identify the best procedures among the participating parties, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

The ‘Watan Exercise 2023’ includes both office and field exercises. These exercises simulate various incidents and situations, considering the diversity and progression of exercise scenarios. The scenarios are carefully selected based on potential risks and challenges, and they are developed with input from specialists and experts in the relevant fields, Brig. Al Muftah added.

Brig. Al Muftah also said that the previous editions of the exercises yielded many positive results and lessons that have been put into practice in the development of security and public safety plans. This collaborative effort with civil authorities has played a significant role in the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Commander of ‘Watan Exercise 2023’ Staff Colonel Mubarak Shareeda Al Kaabi said that the current version of the exercise will witness the participation of all military agencies and more than 30 government institutions, authorities and agencies, in addition to the private sectors which have security and service nature.