Qatar is bolstering international security cooperation by deploying forces to assist with the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in Italy. The deployment, confirmed by the Ministry of Interior, demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to sharing its expertise in securing major sporting events. Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani recently met with the Qatari security personnel preparing for the assignment, scheduled for February 6-22, 2026.
The Qatari security contingent will work alongside Italian and international security teams to ensure the safety and security of athletes, officials, and spectators during the Games. This collaboration highlights the growing global need for coordinated security measures at large-scale events, particularly in light of evolving security threats. The Ministry of Interior has not disclosed the size of the Qatari deployment.
Qatar’s Role in Olympic Winter Games Security
Qatar’s involvement in securing the Milano Cortina 2026 Games builds upon its recent experience hosting major international events, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The successful security operation during the World Cup garnered international praise and positioned Qatar as a reliable partner in event security. According to reports, the nation invested heavily in advanced security technologies and training for its personnel.
Leveraging World Cup Experience
Minister Al-Thani emphasized the importance of utilizing the lessons learned from securing the World Cup. He urged the Qatari task force to apply their expertise to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and readiness during the Winter Games. This includes expertise in areas such as crowd management, threat assessment, and counter-terrorism measures.
However, securing a winter sports event presents unique challenges compared to a football tournament. These include managing security across geographically dispersed venues in mountainous terrain and adapting to winter weather conditions. The Qatari forces will likely collaborate closely with Italian authorities to address these specific logistical and operational considerations.
Additionally, the deployment reflects Qatar’s broader foreign policy objectives, which include strengthening international partnerships and contributing to global security initiatives. The country has been actively involved in regional and international security cooperation efforts in recent years, focusing on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.
International Security Cooperation
The Milano Cortina 2026 Games are expected to draw significant international attention, making them a potential target for various security threats. The Italian government has been working closely with international partners to develop a comprehensive security plan. This plan incorporates advanced surveillance technologies, intelligence sharing, and coordinated response protocols.
Meanwhile, the involvement of multiple nations in providing security support underscores the collaborative nature of modern event security. Sharing resources and expertise allows host countries to mitigate risks more effectively and ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants. The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) is also playing a key role in coordinating security efforts.
In contrast to some previous Games, the security approach for Milano Cortina 2026 is reportedly prioritizing a balance between visible security measures and discreet intelligence gathering. This aims to deter potential threats while minimizing disruption to the Games experience for athletes and spectators. The Ministry of Interior has indicated that the Qatari forces will be integrated into this broader security framework.
Looking ahead, the Qatari security forces will undergo final preparations and briefings before deploying to Italy. The success of their mission will depend on effective coordination with Italian authorities and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential risks. The performance of the Qatari contingent during the Games will likely influence future opportunities for collaboration on international security initiatives. Further details regarding the specific roles and responsibilities of the Qatari forces are expected to be released closer to the event’s start date.
