H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, today attended the torch ceremony of the 2nd World Police Games, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior, which will be hosted by the UAE between 3rd and 10th November, 2017.

He lit the torch with First Lieutenant Ahmed Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, President of the International Police Federation, in the presence of Lieutenant Saif Al Sha’afar, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Interior.

The ceremony started with a military reception by nominated students from the local police academy, followed by flags bearers carrying the flag of the UAE, the host country, the flag of the Ministry of Interior, the game’s organiser, and the flag of the International Police Federation. One of the nominated student then held the ceremonial torch and passed it on to Sheikh Saif, the game’s patron, while the UAE national anthem was played.

Additionally, a press conference was held today, in the presence of major media outlets, where the details of the 2nd International Police Games, which will be held in Abu Dhabi, were announced.

Lieutenant Al Sha’afar and First Lieutenant Al Sabah made their speeches during the press conference, which saw the attendance of Brigadier Waleed Salem Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Games, and Colonel Khalid Ali Najjar, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the International Police Sports Federation Presidential Office, and others.

Al Sha’afar highlighted the desire of the Ministry of Interior to organise this international tournament according to international standards, which will see the participation of police athletes from around the world who will compete in the UAE.

He also noted the desire of the ministry, as per the directives of the federal government, to ensure the success of this international event and enhance the UAE’s stature, as it has always succeeded in organising all types of major events.

He added that over 51 countries have confirmed their participation in the games, with 782 athletes who will compete in four events, including tactical shooting, swimming, judo and jiu jitsu.