Qatar Joins Race for 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games Hosting

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced on Tuesday its involvement in talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concerning the host city selection for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Qatar, having previously hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and set to stage the Asian Cup in 2024, is entering the competition to host these games alongside confirmed bidders such as Indonesia, Turkey, India, and Chile.

In addition to Qatar, other nations in Asia, including Saudi Arabia and South Korea, are contemplating their own bids. Interest has also emerged from countries like Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and Canada. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, QOC's president, noted that Qatar has already established 95 percent of the sports infrastructure necessary for hosting the Olympic Games and possesses a detailed national strategy to ensure full readiness of facilities.

This overarching plan is built around a long-term vision aimed at creating a legacy that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. In 2030, Qatar's capital, Doha, is scheduled to host the Asian Games, having previously conducted the event in 2006. If successful in its bid, Qatar would become the first Middle Eastern country to host the Olympics, marking a significant development in the region's growing prominence in major sporting events, especially as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the soccer World Cup in 2034.