It is no longer news that Qatar has submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Doha. Doubtlessly, Qatar’s bid is a bold step that could reshape global sports for the better.
As the first potential host from the Middle East and North Africa, Qatar offers a chance to expand the Olympic movement’s reach, promote inclusivity, and showcase the region’s growing influence in international athletics. This bid, rooted in Qatar’s proven track record and forward-thinking vision, promises significant benefits for global sports. Doha’s infrastructure is a major strength. With 95% of required venues already operational, including world-class facilities built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is well-equipped to host a seamless Olympics. Events like the 2024 World Aquatics Championships and 2019 World Athletics Championships demonstrate Doha’s ability to manage large-scale competitions. These venues, paired with advanced logistics like Hamad International Airport and a modern metro system, ensure accessibility and efficiency, addressing past concerns about Qatar’s capacity.
This readiness allows the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to focus on legacy over construction, a shift that aligns with the IOC’s sustainability goals.
The bid also advances cultural and geographic diversity. Hosting the Olympics in the MENA region would be historic, bridging East and West and fostering global unity through sport. Qatar’s National Vision 2030 emphasizes human development and cultural exchange, values that align with the Olympic ethos. By bringing the Games to a new region, Qatar can inspire young athletes across the Arab world, amplifying sports participation in an underrepresented area. This inclusivity could spark a new wave of talent, enriching global competition.
Qatar’s bid supports sports tourism and diversification. The nation’s sovereign wealth fund and investments in global sports events position Doha as a hub for athletic innovation. Hosting the Olympics could drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote sustainable development, leaving a lasting legacy for Qatar and the region. The IOC’s flexible bidding process allows Qatar to demonstrate its progress.
Qatar can redefine its global sports narrative, proving that a small nation with big ambitions can unite the world through athletic excellence.
