Qatar’s special forces training centre opens new site

A model displayed at the DIMDEX 2024 show held in Doha from 4 to 6 March shows the new Al-Sayliyah site of the Project 401 Special Forces Training Centre. (Janes/Jeremy Binnie)

Qatar’s Project 401 Special Operations Training Centre revealed its second site during the DIMDEX 2024 show held in Doha from 4 to 6 March.

The new site adds to an existing 300 m range and simulator facility in the southwest corner of Camp Al-Sayliyah, west of Doha. It includes a second 300 m range, a 600 m range for sniper training, a 360° live-fire simulator, an Airbus airliner for counter-terrorism training, a driving course, and an urban warfare area. These are supported by large administration and accommodation facilities.

Project 401’s other sight is a dedicated naval special forces training facility that was built on the eastern side of the Bay of Zekreet on Qatar’s western coast under a contract awarded to the Turkish company Modern Defense Solutions (MDS) in March 2018. While MDS identified it as the Buroq Special Marine Operations Training Centre, Project 401’s English-language brochure calls it Brouq.