Qatar Officially Enters the Race to Host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Qatar has been confirmed to bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the National Olympic Committee is in discussions with the international Olympic Committee. If Qatar is accepted to host, it will be the first Olympic Games to occur in the Middle East and/or North Africa.

Qatar Ready to Host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games with 95% of the Required Infrastructure in Place According to Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, who is president of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), 95% of the venues and sports facilities are already in place. The bid is aligned with an overall vision to develop a sustainable, inclusive, and globally impactful event.

Past History and Past Bids                                  

Qatar is not new to hosting large international sporting events. Qatar has hosted the large events from the 2019 World Athletics Championships to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Overall, Qatar has spent much money on sports infrastructure. Qatar does have some history of unsuccessful bids for large events like the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, which were rejected due to concerns about heat, limits on media freedoms, and concerns for human rights.                                         

Look at What they are Still Fighting Against!                       

While Qatar has achieved much success, their reputation is still questioned. The 2022 World Cup attracted some hate and scrutiny for:                                                  

• Harsh labour conditions with the kafala system;                                                 
• Migrant worker deaths while constructing stadiums;   and                                             
• Very strict rules on expression and homosexuality.                                                                                                                                          
• Pressure from human rights groups like Amnesty International have called upon the IOC to only approve games in Qatar if they are able to ensure workers rights and freedom of expression.                                                

Qatar is in an Utterly Crowded Field of Competitors         

• Ahmedabad, India;                                                  
• Istanbul, Turkey;                                                  
• Nusantara, Indonesia;                                                   
• Santiago, Chile;                                                     
• Germany, South Korea, and even Saudi Arabia are also possibly considering a bid.

Will Doha be successful this time?

Analysts believe Qatar is a far greater player now than it was 20 years ago. Its technology-based infrastructure and capacity to host high-level sporting events globally and influence are creating a serious bid. However, it may find it difficult to compete against India’s robust population or major sports market, in addition to past controversies.