UAE and Gulf allies carry out armed-response drills in action-packed display

Abu Dhabi Police helicopters and tactical units were involved in exercises in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province

Saudi Arabian and Emirati police and military take part in Gulf Security Exercise 3. Photo: SPA

UAE forces at Gulf Security Exercise 3. Photo: Ministry of Interior

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Minister of Interior, pictured at the drill in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Ministry of Interior

UAE forces at Gulf Security Exercise 3. Photo: Ministry of Interior

Action-packed drills took place in an undisclosed location in Saudi Arabia over a number of days. Photo: Ministry of Interior

Police and military officers observe a mock attack on a port facility. Photo: SPA

One drill involved a raid on a public bus. Photo: Ministry of Interior

The drill fosters co-ordination and team work between the Gulf nations. Photo: Ministry of Interior

Action-packed drills took place in an undisclosed location in Saudi Arabia over days. Photo: SPA

Special armed units from the UAE's Ministry of Interior took part. Photo: SPA

Swat teams use ladders mounted on vehicles in a simulated raid. Photo: Ministry of Interior

Swat teams in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Photo: Ministry of Interior

Brig Gen Salem Abdullah Al Habsi, a member of the Command and Control Committee, said participants were fully prepared for the operation. Photo: Ministry of Interior

The exercise will develop skills to deal with crises and emergencies. Photo: Ministry of Interior

Armed police and security units from the UAE have taken part in action-packed exercises with Gulf allies.

Abu Dhabi Police helicopters and Ministry of Interior response units were involved in drills with personnel from across the Gulf.

Footage shows the moment an explosion sends a fireball into the sky in a port area. Armed units practised storming buses using ladders in another.

In a maritime drill, armed police storm a tanker at sea.

The Arab Gulf Security drills in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province are designed to foster co-ordination and preparedness among the Gulf allies.

Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, visited for the final day of drills on Sunday, state news agency Wam reported.

Landing at King Abdulaziz Airbase in Dhahran, outside Damman, he was welcomed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdul-Aziz, Saudi Minister of Interior.

Wam said Sheikh Saif saluted those involved and said they had shown a “readiness to face any challenge or emergency".

In a video he shared on Twitter, Sheikh Saif added: "Our Gulf is secure and what we witnessed today, mashallah, was a unique performance that stems out of training and cohesiveness between air, special forces and ground forces. We wish you all the best and success. Thank you."