Qatar Launches 2036 Olympics Bid
Qatar has officially joined the race to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, its latest push to establish itself as a global sports tourism hub. The Qatar Olympic Committee confirmed it is speaking with the International Olympic Committee, the first formal step in the Olympic host city selection process.
'We currently have 95% of the required sports infrastructure in place to host the [Olympic and Paralympic] Games, and we have a comprehensive national plan to ensure 100% readiness of all facilities,' said Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
The Gulf nation hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup in 2024. If it wins the bid, Qatar would become the first country in the Middle East to host the Games. Saudi Arabia, a rival regional power, is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Sports Tourism in Qatar
The World Cup in 2022 was a huge tourism drive for Qatar: During the four-week tournament, Qatar drew approximately 1.4 million international football fans, while a total of 3.4 million spectators watched matches across the stadiums, which operated at an average capacity of 96.3%
Alongside hosting the Middle East's inaugural FIFA World Cup, Qatar holds a controlling interest in Paris Saint-Germain, a soccer club in France. Furthermore, it secures a consistent place on the Formula 1 racing schedule through a decade-long agreement initiated in 2023.
Qatar Tourism did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
To spearhead the bid, Qatar formed a Bid Committee on Wednesday, led by Sheikh Joaan and vice-chaired by Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.
Qatar has steadily built its sporting credentials, hosting a growing roster of world championships and investing billions into venues and fan infrastructure.
Other confirmed bids for the 2036 Games have come from Indonesia, Turkey, India, and Chile.
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