Qatar Eyes 2036 Olympics Amid Challenges

On July 22, 2025, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced its participation in discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the selection process for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This move positions Qatar as a potential first-time Olympic host in the Middle East, building upon its recent history of organizing major international sporting events.

Qatar's bid for the 2036 Olympics underscores its strategic vision to become a global sports hub. With a significant portion of the necessary infrastructure already in place and a commitment to sustainability, the nation aims to leverage its experience from hosting events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2030 Asian Games. However, challenges such as extreme summer temperatures and human rights concerns present hurdles that Qatar must address to secure the Olympic bid.

Qatar has a history of hosting major international sporting events, including the 2006 Asian Games, the 2019 World Athletics Championships, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The nation is also set to host the 2030 Asian Games, having been awarded the event in December 2020.

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, president of the QOC, highlighted that Qatar already possesses 95% of the required sports infrastructure for the Olympics. The nation has a comprehensive plan to complete the remaining facilities, emphasizing sustainability and legacy.

Key venues include Lusail Stadium, located about 20 km north of Doha, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, and Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, about 35 km from Doha, which hosted the opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Post-World Cup, Qatar has plans to repurpose these stadiums to avoid them becoming underutilized. For instance, Al Bayt Stadium is expected to be transformed into a hotel and shopping center, while Lusail Stadium is slated to be reconfigured into a 40,000-seat venue with community spaces.

Qatar joins a list of countries expressing interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, including Indonesia, Turkey, India, and Chile. Other nations such as Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and Canada have also shown interest. Notably, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, indicating the region's increasing role in global sports.

Hosting the Olympics in Qatar presents several challenges, including extreme summer temperatures and human rights and labor practices. Qatar has faced international scrutiny over its labor practices and human rights record, particularly concerning migrant workers involved in World Cup preparations. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for a successful Olympic bid.

Hosting the Olympics could have significant social and economic impacts for Qatar, including economic diversification and cultural diplomacy. Leveraging sports tourism aligns with Qatar's efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. The 2022 FIFA World Cup generated an estimated $2.3 billion to $4.1 billion in tourism and broadcasting revenue, contributing between $1.6 billion to $2.4 billion to GDP. Hosting the Olympics would enhance Qatar's global image and soft power, building on its investments in international sports, such as the acquisition of Paris Saint-Germain FC.

In conclusion, Qatar's bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games represents a significant step in its ongoing strategy to become a global hub for sports, leveraging its existing infrastructure and experience to address the challenges ahead.