A contingent of UAE security personnel landed at Al Udeid
Air Base in Qatar on 22 January 2026, marking the start of the Arabian Gulf
Security 4 exercise. Qatari Defence Ministry officials welcomed the arrivals
during a formal ceremony attended by GCC representatives. The exercise runs
through 5 February and includes air, sea, and land components.
Qatar News Agency reported the UAE delegation numbered
approximately 1,200 troops, equipped with armoured vehicles and surveillance
systems. Host nation Qatar contributed 2,500 personnel, with Saudi Arabia,
Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman deploying similar-sized units. The event coincides
with annual GCC defence coordination meetings.
Details of UAE Arrival and Exercise Preparations
Credit: Staff Sgt. Jon AldermanStaff Sgt. Jon Alderman
UAE Air Force C-130 transport aircraft ferried the main body from Abu Dhabi International Airport, completing the 45-minute flight without incident. Ground crews offloaded equipment including MRAP vehicles and electronic warfare kits. Qatari forces provided logistical support, including fuel depots and maintenance hangars.
Exercise organisers outlined scenarios simulating maritime
interdiction, border defence, and counter-terrorism raids. Participants conduct
live-fire drills in the Ras Laffan training area north of Doha. Commanders
established a joint operations centre at Al Rayyan for real-time coordination.
GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al Budaiwi attended the opening
briefing, stating the drill strengthened collective defence postures. He
referenced recent maritime incidents in the Gulf as rationale for enhanced
interoperability. No foreign observers received invitations this year.
Objectives and Scope of Arabian Gulf Security 4
The exercise focuses on rapid response tactics against
asymmetric threats, including drone swarms and speedboat attacks. Naval units
practise blockade enforcement in Qatar's territorial waters. Air forces
simulate integrated strikes using F-16 and Eurofighter jets.
Previous iterations in 2023 and 2024 yielded data on
response times reduced by 25%. Organisers aim to test new communications
protocols compatible across GCC systems. Medical evacuation simulations form a
core component, involving field hospitals deployed by each nation.
Qatar hosts the event for the second consecutive year,
leveraging expanded facilities at Al Udeid. The base serves as primary hub,
accommodating 8,000 personnel total. Temporary infrastructure includes water
desalination units and power generators.
Statements from Participating Gulf Nations
Credit: .tacticalreport.com
UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei described the deployment as routine cooperation. He noted exchanges of best practices in cyber defence integration. UAE troops underwent pre-arrival briefings on Qatari terrain and protocols.
Qatari Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Abdulaziz Al Nabit
welcomed participants, affirming commitment to GCC unity. He highlighted joint
procurement initiatives for patrol vessels discussed on sidelines. Bahrain's
contingent commander echoed priorities on maritime domain awareness.
Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman
arrived separately, conducting bilateral talks with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad
Al Thani. Discussions covered ammunition stockpiles and intelligence sharing.
Oman contributed maritime specialists focused on strait navigation.
Background on GCC Military Cooperation Exercises
Arabian Gulf Security exercises originated in 2010 as
response to regional unrest. The series expanded post-2017 Qatar diplomatic
crisis resolution. Edition 3 in Kuwait drew 10,000 troops, setting
participation records.
GCC nations maintain permanent joint command in Riyadh,
overseeing annual drills. Budget allocations rose 15% in 2026 fiscal plans,
prioritising exercises. Interoperability standards now mandate common
encryption for radios and drones.
External threats cited include Houthi attacks on shipping
since 2023. GCC forces repelled incursions without escalation. Exercises
incorporate lessons from Red Sea patrols conducted collaboratively.
Logistical Arrangements for Multinational Participation
Al Udeid expansion accommodated influx, with new barracks
housing UAE units. Caterers sourced halal provisions from local suppliers,
serving 15,000 meals daily. Waste management contracts ensured environmental
compliance during field operations.
Medical teams established triage points equipped for trauma
care. Qatari field hospitals feature operating theatres and blood banks.
Evacuation helicopters stand ready on 24-hour alert.
Cyber defence simulations run parallel, hosted in Doha
command bunkers. Participants test firewall responses to simulated hacks
originating from actor networks.
Regional Security Context Surrounding the Exercise
GCC leaders convened in Riyadh on 20 January, endorsing
exercise timelines. Discussions addressed Iranian naval movements near Hormuz
Strait. No direct linkages stated between drills and external postures.
US Central Command maintains presence at Al Udeid, focusing
on separate missions. Qatar hosts 11,000 American troops under defence pacts.
GCC exercises proceed independently of coalition activities.
Yemeni developments prompted heightened maritime patrols.
Houthi claims of vessel targeting subsided ahead of drill start. Gulf navies
increased frigate deployments pre-exercise.
Equipment and Technology Showcased in Drills
UAE deploys Otokar Cobra vehicles armed with 30mm cannons.
Qatari forces field Kirki II tanks acquired from Turkey. Saudi units integrate
THAAD interceptors for air defence layers.
Unmanned systems
feature prominently, including Bayraktar TB2 drones loaned across
contingents. Sonar buoys enhance underwater threat detection. Night-vision gear
standard across infantry squads.
Post-exercise evaluations schedule equipment swaps for 2027
iteration. Data analytics track performance metrics via secure networks.
Public and Media Engagement During Exercise
Qatari media broadcast daily updates via Al Jazeera and
state channels. Live streams show aerial manoeuvres over Gulf waters. Public
exhibitions planned in Doha Corniche feature static displays.
Social media handles under #GulfSecurity4 post footage with
watermarks. Accredited journalists embed with units under ground rules. No live
combat streams permitted.
GCC citizens receive briefings on exercise safety zones.
Fishing restrictions enforce around training areas until 6 February.
Previous Exercises and Lessons Incorporated
Edition 2 in UAE featured amphibious landings at Jebel Ali.
Bahrain hosted urban combat scenarios in 2025. Cumulative data informs scenario
designs annually.
Injury rates dropped 40% since protocol updates.
Cross-training programmes certify 500 specialists yearly. Women officers
participate in command roles across forces.
Future plans include space asset integration by 2028.
Satellite imagery feeds real-time displays during simulations.
Closing Phases and Debrief Procedures
Exercise culminates in full-scale assault on mock island
target. Graduating ceremonies award certificates to top performers. Troops
redeploy home 48 hours post-finish.
Joint report compiles findings for GCC defence ministers.
Recommendations feed budget cycles and procurement lists.
No incidents marred opening days as of 23 January. Operations proceed on schedule under clear skies.