Qatar has officially submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aiming to become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to stage the global sporting event.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who described the move as a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy beyond energy dependence.
“The official bid submitted by the Qatar Olympic Committee represents a new milestone in Qatar’s journey,” Sheikh Mohammed stated, citing the country’s successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a strong foundation.
Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani said the nation has already developed 95% of the infrastructure needed for the Games and has a plan in place to achieve full readiness. “Sport is a central pillar of our national strategy,” he noted.
Doha’s bid comes amid ongoing scrutiny over labor rights following widespread criticism from human rights groups during the 2022 World Cup preparations. While critics claimed thousands of migrant workers died, Qatari authorities maintain that only 37 fatalities occurred on World Cup projects, with just three linked to workplace accidents.
The 2036 Games selection will mark the first major decision under new International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to hold the post. With the 2024, 2028, and 2032 Olympics set for Europe, North America, and Oceania respectively, Asia—or possibly Africa—appears to be the next likely region.
Under current IOC rules, countries are no longer obligated to make their bids public, allowing for a more discreet selection process.
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