Qatar Pursues 2036 Olympics and Paralympics: A New Era for Sports in the Middle East
Qatar has officially announced its ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics, marking a significant milestone as it seeks to bring the prestigious games to the Middle East for the very first time. The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) is eager to "showcase the potential of Arab youth on the global stage," building on the momentum generated from successfully hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Under the leadership of Kirsty Coventry, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has committed to enhancing member involvement in the selection of host cities. This shift aims to diversify the Olympic experience and expand its reach to new audiences worldwide.
Qatar was previously overlooked for the 2032 Olympics when the IOC expedited Brisbane’s selection through a preferred bidder process. However, the Gulf nation faces competition from neighboring Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 and has heavily invested in sports megaprojects. Additionally, India presents a formidable challenge, with influential IOC member Nita Ambani advocating for her country’s bid. Nita is married to Mukesh Ambani, India’s wealthiest individual and head of the Reliance Industries conglomerate.
In an interview with Sky News, IOC President Kirsty Coventry expressed her vision for the future of the Olympics, stating, "New regions and embracing new regions… will be a part of what I would like to see. Embracing diverse regions opens up numerous opportunities, including revenue growth and reaching new audiences."
The QOC is currently engaged in "ongoing discussions" with the IOC as part of the host city election process. Impressively, Qatar already has 95% of the necessary sports infrastructure in place, positioning itself as a strong candidate for the 2036 games.
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, emphasized the nation’s commitment to this endeavor: "Our participation in the dialogue surrounding the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036 reflects a national vision that sees sport as a driver of development and a platform for promoting mutual understanding and peace among nations. Sport is a central pillar of our national strategy, and we aspire to elevate this role regionally and globally by presenting a model that reflects the diversity of our region and celebrates its authentic human values."
As Qatar sets its sights on the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics, the nation is poised to make a lasting impact on the global sports landscape and inspire future generations.
