Doha — Qatar has officially submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as the Gulf nation aims to add another global sporting event to its growing portfolio and push further in its economic diversification efforts.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Qatari authorities, with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, describing the move as a “new milestone” in the country’s sports journey.
“The official bid submitted by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games represents a new milestone in Qatar’s journey,” he said in a statement carried by Qatar News Agency. “The bid builds on Qatar’s proven track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
If selected, Qatar would become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the Olympic Games.
QOC President, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, also reaffirmed the country’s readiness, stating that Doha already has 95% of the required sports infrastructure in place and a national plan to ensure full readiness.
“Sport is a central pillar of our national strategy,” he added.
Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup drew global attention and controversy, particularly over its treatment of migrant workers. Amnesty International and other rights groups alleged thousands of deaths among workers ahead of the tournament. However, Qatari officials maintained that only 37 workers died on World Cup-related projects, with just three of those deaths being work-related.
As part of the Olympic host selection process, countries are no longer required to publicize their bids. However, geopolitical rotation and regional representation are often considered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). With the 2024, 2028, and 2032 Games set for Europe, North America, and Oceania respectively, chances are high the 2036 edition could be awarded to Asia or even Africa for the first time.
The decision on the 2036 host city will be one of the first major tasks for newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who recently became the first woman to lead the Olympic body.
