Qatar has officially submitted its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, setting its sights on becoming the first Middle Eastern or North African country to achieve this feat.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, described the move as “a new milestone in Qatar’s journey.”
He added: “The bid builds on Qatar’s proven track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
The 2022 World Cup was the first ever held in the Arab world. Despite controversies, including criticisms over the treatment of migrant workers, it was a spectacular showcase of infrastructure and global hospitality.
Amnesty International and other rights organisations alleged that thousands of migrant workers died in the run-up to the World Cup. However, the Qatari government said only 37 deaths were recorded from World Cup-related projects, with just three from work-related incidents.
Qatar Says It’s 95% Ready
President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, said the country is more than ready.
“We currently have 95% of the required sports infrastructure in place to host the Games,” he said. “And we have a comprehensive national plan to ensure 100% readiness of all facilities.”
He added that Qatar had “made sport a central pillar of our national strategy.”
Qatar’s readiness and ambition fit its broader plan to diversify its oil-based economy by investing in global sports, tourism, and cultural exposure.
According to World Bank data, Qatar remains one of the world’s richest countries per capita, and this economic muscle continues to power its bold international ambitions.
IOC Faces Landmark Decision Under New Leadership
The decision on who will host the 2036 Games will be the first major task for Kirsty Coventry, the new President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She became the first woman to lead the organisation just last month.
The Olympic Games are expected to rotate continents each season. Since Paris (2024), Los Angeles (2028), and Brisbane (2032) will take place in Europe, North America, and Oceania respectively, experts believe the 2036 edition will likely head to Asia or Africa.
If Qatar wins, it will join a very exclusive list of Olympic hosts — and mark a symbolic moment for the Global South.
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