Watan 2026 concludes with more than 25,000 participants in Qatar

Qatar has concluded the sixth edition of Watan 2026, a major national readiness exercise involving more than 25,000 participants representing 80 military, security and civilian entities.

French security forces also participated in the exercise, which tested coordination and response capabilities across different state institutions.

HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), announced the conclusion of the exercise on Thursday, November 5.

More than 25,000 participants

According to HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, Watan 2026 involved more than 25,000 participants representing 80 military, security and civilian entities across Qatar.

The latest figures mark the final scale of this year’s exercise.

Earlier announcements at the beginning of the field phase had referred to more than 40 national entities participating alongside the French side.

Sixth edition of Watan

The 2026 exercise is the sixth edition of Watan.

Tabletop exercises began on October 25 before the field phase moved into practical scenarios involving participating institutions.

The exercise focused on strengthening national preparedness, institutional coordination and the ability to maintain effective responses during emergencies and other challenges.

HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad said the exercise reflected the integration of efforts between state institutions and the efficiency of participating personnel, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting its resources.

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