Following its controversial but high-profile hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is positioning itself as a serious contender alongside other interested nations such as Germany, India, South Korea, Chile, and Saudi Arabia.
Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani emphasized the bid’s alignment with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, highlighting sport as a key pillar for development, youth empowerment, and international collaboration. The country claims it already has 95% of the required infrastructure and is ready to deliver a Games focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and legacy.
Despite criticism from human rights organizations regarding Qatar’s record on democracy, freedom of speech, and labor conditions, the nation continues to build diplomatic momentum with the International Olympic Committee. Former IOC President Thomas Bach visited Doha earlier this year, and current IOC President Kirsty Coventry now faces the task of steering the future selection.
Qatar’s bid would represent the first Olympics in the Middle East and North Africa, which its organizers believe would showcase a new Arab model of openness, cultural diversity, and innovation. With a history of hosting major international sporting events and a strong financial and logistical track record, Qatar is leveraging its global sporting experience as a foundation for this ambitious Olympic goal.
The 2036 Games are expected to rotate away from Europe, North America, and Oceania, making Asia or Africa likely hosts. As competition intensifies, Qatar’s entry adds significant weight to the evolving Olympic race.
