Dubai: Team leaders participating in the UAE Rescue Challenge 2025 have hailed the exceptional organization and global competitiveness of the event, which brings together 15 elite teams, including 11 from the UAE and 3 international teams from France, the Netherlands, and Croatia. 

Over three intense days at the Dubai Police Training City in Al Ruwayyah, teams are facing realistic, high-pressure rescue scenarios to demonstrate their skills in extricating victims from vehicles and performing under extreme conditions.

WRO President: Dubai Police’s Professionalism Elevates the Challenge

Paul Schroeder, President of the World Rescue Organization (WRO), praised the world-class execution of the challenge, emphasizing Dubai Police’s expertise in hosting events that refine participants’ life-saving skills and prepare them for real-world emergency situations.

“The level of organization and professionalism displayed at this challenge is remarkable. It’s an outstanding platform for teams to sharpen their rescue capabilities and test their readiness under pressure.”

Schroeder also highlighted the strategic partnership between WRO and Dubai Police, under which both entities will enhance global rescue training and prepare for the highly anticipated World Rescue Challenge, set to be hosted in Dubai in 2027.

Dubai Police: A Platform for Global Knowledge Exchange

Maj. Gen. Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations, underscored the critical importance of the UAE Rescue Challenge, particularly with the inclusion of international teams from France, the Netherlands, and Croatia.

“This competition provides an invaluable opportunity for UAE teams to learn from global best practices, exchange knowledge, and refine their skills in vehicle extrication and emergency response. Rescue operations demand continuous learning and adaptation, and by collaborating with international experts, we ensure that our teams remain at the forefront of rescue excellence.”

Al Ghaithi extended his gratitude to the event’s organizing committee and wished all participants success.

First-Time Competitors Praise Event Quality and Competition Level
-Croatian Team Captain:
It’s our first time participating in this region. Most of our past challenges were in European countries like Germany and Austria, but this is our debut in the UAE. The organization is outstanding, and the participating teams are highly skilled and well-trained for real-life emergencies.

French Rescue Team Representative, Beno Vino:
“We thank Dubai Police for inviting us to this competition. The challenge provides a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange, particularly in handling complex vehicle rescue operations that require precision, speed, and expertise.”

UAE Teams: Strengthening Coordination and Skill Development

-Lt. Col. Hamad Al Kaabi, Abu Dhabi Civil Defense:
“We are participating with three specialized rescue teams. What sets this challenge apart is the seamless coordination between teams, fostering knowledge-sharing and hands-on learning in high-risk rescue scenarios.

Fahd Mohammed Bourba, Strategic Partnerships Manager at National Ambulance:
“This is our third consecutive year participating in the UAE Rescue Challenge. We have five specialized teams in action, and the standout feature of this event is the integration of paramedics and rescue teams, which enhances our ability to save lives in emergencies.”
-First Warrant Officer Khalid Ibrahim Al Matroushi, UAE Civil Defense:
“This challenge is an eye-opening experience. The real-life scenarios push us to think quickly, refine our techniques, and gain valuable insights that will strengthen our response to real-world rescue operations.”