Qatar Launches Official Bid for the 2036 Olympic Games

Qatar has officially entered discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The announcement was made by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), following the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2024 AFC Asian Cup.

In a statement issued by the QOC, President and Chairman of the Bid Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasized Qatar’s readiness for this significant undertaking. He noted that the nation already possesses 95% of the necessary sports infrastructure to host the Games and has a comprehensive national plan to reach full readiness.

Qatar’s Commitment to Sustainable Development

Sheikh Joaan articulated a vision that extends beyond merely organizing a successful event. “Our objective goes beyond simply organizing a successful event; we aim to deliver a global experience that reinforces the values of inclusivity, sustainability, and international collaboration,” he stated. This vision aligns with Qatar’s broader goals of creating a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable legacy.

The QOC’s bid is part of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which prioritizes human, social, and economic development. The statement also highlighted the importance of investing in sports and culture as a means to foster vibrant communities and promote social cohesion.

Qatar’s experience in hosting major international sporting events further solidifies its position as a credible contender for the 2036 Games. Over the past two decades, the nation has successfully organized 18 World Championships, including the acclaimed 2022 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2026 World Aquatics Championships.

Strategic Dialogue with the IOC

The IOC has reformed its selection process, moving away from traditional bidding to a system of “targeted dialogues.” This method allows cities to engage in direct discussions with the IOC rather than competing publicly for hosting rights. Notably, the 2030 and 2034 Winter Games were awarded to the French Alps and Salt Lake City, respectively, through this approach. The 2032 Brisbane Games were also awarded via targeted dialogues.

Qatar is not alone in its ambitions. Other cities currently in dialogue with the IOC include Nusantara in Indonesia, Istanbul in Turkey, Ahmedabad in India, and Santiago in Chile. Interest has also been expressed by nations such as Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Toronto, and Montreal in Canada.

As Qatar moves forward in its bid for the 2036 Olympics, the country aims to leverage this opportunity not just for sports but as a catalyst for national development, emphasizing youth engagement, knowledge sharing, and innovation. The QOC’s commitment to aligning the event with both Olympic and national values underscores its ambition to make a lasting impact both regionally and globally.