Under the patronage and in the presence of Qatar’s Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the activities of the joint tactical exercise of the security agencies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, titled “Arabian Gulf Security (4)”, concluded Wednesday.

The exercise was hosted by Qatar over a period of 11 days. Its activities were attended by the security agencies and forces of the GCC states, in addition to specialised units from the United States of America.

The closing ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates Lieutenant-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior of Bahrain Lieutenant-General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior of Oman Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Battal, and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait Major-General Abdul Wahab Ahmed Al Wheib.

The closing ceremony was also attended by Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohammed Al Budaiwi, and Vice Admiral Curt Renshaw, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, in addition to senior officials and officers from the Ministries of Interior of the GCC states.

The ceremony included the implementation of various security hypotheses and scenarios carried out by the joint GCC security agencies with the participation of specialised units from the United States of America.

These field operations demonstrated a high level of readiness, professionalism, and advanced capability in confronting security challenges. They also reflected the efficiency of field and operational coordination among the participating forces and their rapid response in dealing with incidents, contributing to the enhancement of joint Gulf security cooperation, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior Colonel Dr. Jabr Hamoud Jabr Al Nuaimi delivered a briefing on the main segments of the ceremony and the security scenarios and hypotheses included.

The ceremony began with a military parade by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), featuring various military formations that reflected the level of continuous training, integration among different security specialisations, and adherence to professional standards. This was followed by the implementation of hypotheses simulating real security threats and highlighting the readiness and efficiency reached by the joint GCC Security Forces.

The hypotheses embodied diverse security scenarios, including confronting unconventional aerial threats, addressing riots and terrorist attacks, protecting high-profile figures from complex attacks, and conducting counterterrorism operations in populated areas.

Subsequently, vehicles and equipment were displayed in the field, reflecting the qualitative and specialised capabilities of the joint GCC security forces and demonstrating aspects of practical integration. The display also highlighted ongoing development in readiness and equipment, as well as the level of integration in resources and capabilities within a unified Gulf framework.

The Supreme Committee of the joint tactical exercise organised a concurrent security exhibition at Qatar Mall from January 30 to February 4. The exhibition featured pavilions for the countries participating in the exercise, through which they showcased their field efforts and various contributions, in addition to awareness materials and documentary films.

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said: “This fourth edition of the drill, conducted by the GCC Ministries of Interior with the participation of specialized units from the friendly United States of America, is of paramount importance in supporting the collective Gulf security framework.”

He further stressed that the “Arabian Gulf Security 4” exercise reflects a mutual commitment to advancing security operational mechanisms, exchanging expertise and best practices, as well as unifying efforts to counter transnational risks and threats. He pointed out that such maneuvers constitute a fundamental pillar for strengthening institutional integration and security cooperation pathways among member states.