The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has confirmed its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, positioning the Gulf state to potentially become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to host the world’s largest sporting event.
In a press release, QOC president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani said the nation already has “95% of the required sports infrastructure in place to host the Games,” as well as “a comprehensive national plan to ensure 100% readiness of all facilities.”
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is set to host the Asian Games in 2030, which features both traditional Olympic events and unique regional sports.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup, also held in Qatar, drew international criticism over the treatment of migrant workers and the country’s strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, urged FIFA to push for deeper labor reforms. While a top Qatari official cited 400-500 worker deaths, other reports estimated thousands died during World Cup preparations.
In response to the backlash, the Qatari government said it strengthened labor inspections, raised safety standards, and increased penalties for labor violations.
The country’s criminalization of same-sex relationships also drew widespread criticism from fans, activists, and players.
The 2022 tournament was controversial also because of the decision to move it from summer to winter due to extreme heat. This move raised concerns about climate conditions should the Olympics be held during warmer months.
Despite these challenges, Qatar’s Olympic bid is officially in contention alongside other confirmed applicants, including Nusantara (Indonesia), Istanbul (Turkey), Ahmedabad (India), and Santiago (Chile). Additional countries considering bids include Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Egypt, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and Canada.
It remains unclear whether Qatar is proposing to host the Summer or Winter Games. The QOC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. If selected, it would likely rule out regional rivals like Saudi Arabia from hosting the next games, given the International Olympic Committee’s tradition of rotating continents. Los Angeles is set to host the Summer Olympics in 2028, and will be one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup.
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