Qatar has officially entered the race to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, as the Gulf nation continues leveraging global sports to diversify its hydrocarbon-based economy.
Already recognized for staging the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar now aspires to become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to welcome the world’s largest sporting event.
“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,” said Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in remarks shared by the 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,” he added.
While the Gulf state drew global acclaim for the World Cup, it also faced intense scrutiny from human rights groups. Amnesty International and other organizations allege thousands of migrant workers died during preparations for the tournament.
However, Qatari officials maintain that only 37 workers linked to World Cup projects died, with just three fatalities attributed to work-related incidents.
President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, emphasized the centrality of sport in the nation’s development blueprint.
“We currently have 95 percent of the required sports infrastructure in place to host the Games, and we have a comprehensive national plan to ensure 100 percent readiness of all facilities,” he stated.
While the International Olympic Committee no longer mandates that bids be made public, Qatar’s declaration signals its ambition amid a shifting continental rotation for the Games.
With upcoming editions in Europe (Paris 2024), North America (Los Angeles 2028), and Oceania (Brisbane 2032), the 2036 edition is widely expected to return to Asia or perhaps make a groundbreaking debut in Africa.
The decision on the host city will also mark a significant milestone for the IOC, as its newly appointed president Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to hold the role, oversees her first major assignment.
