Qatar Sets Sights on 2036 Olympics Following FIFA World Cup Success

More than any country, Qatar entered history by staging the 2022 FIFA World Cup – a success that will stand to place it at an edge to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. Qatar has demonstrated its capabilities as a great stage for international mega-sporting events, integrated with comprehensive infrastructure and experience in staging large-scale competitions. Doha stands to become the first city in the Middle East to host the Games of the Olympiad.

Middle East’s Olympic Race Intensifies

Qatar’s bid is now on the competing regionals, most especially Saudi Arabia that’s gaining huge ground in the world of sports globally. The Kingdom’s winning of bids for the Olympic Esports Games in 2025, the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and the Asian Games in 2034 depict its growing influence globally in sports. Saudi Arabia’s massive investment into sports infrastructure such as the new Formula One track in Qiddiya and the Saudi Pro League further solidifies its stronghold in being a serious Olympic contender.

The Middle East is also represented through the candidature of Istanbul in Turkey, announced in July 2021. Again, the city will host the 2025 European Para Youth Games and 2027 European Games. This will be the fourth time that Istanbul will be bidding for the Olympics after losing bids for the editions for the years 2000, 2008, and 2020.

Qatar’s Olympic Credentials

Success in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be a potent affirmation of Qatar’s Doha ability to host the world’s sporting event. Having existing sports infrastructure, such as air-conditioned stadiums that can withstand the heat of summer, it has a ready-made infrastructure for the Olympics. Experience in hosting the Asian Games and other international championships has built quality for sporting events into its reputation.

The compact geography of the country will give it an advantage potentially making this one of the most accessible Olympics to date. With most venues being within an hour of each other, Doha could provide one of the most well-organized games that also would minimize travel for athletes and spectators alike much the same as with the success model during the 2022 World Cup.