Qatar's bid for the 2036 Olympics
The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has confirmed its participation in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as part of the new host city selection process.
This step reflects the State of Qatar's unwavering commitment to supporting the Olympic and Paralympic movement, its keenness to contribute effectively to the development of global sport, and its role in building bridges of communication, expanding horizons of rapprochement and understanding between peoples, and empowering individuals, especially youth. It also confirms Qatar's adoption of the concept of "Sport for Peace" as one of the established principles of its national vision, enhancing the status of sport as a means of fostering understanding, rejecting division, and achieving stability.
In a statement on this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Bid Committee, said:
“We believe in the power of sport and its impact in bringing peoples and cultures together, empowering individuals, and unleashing human potential, especially that of youth. Our participation in the ongoing discussions to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games reflects a national vision that sees sport as an engine of development and a platform for promoting understanding and peace among peoples. We have made sport a key focus of our national strategy, and today we aspire to enhance this role at the regional and international levels by presenting a new model that reflects the diversity of our region and celebrates its authentic human values.”
His Excellency added:
"We currently have a 95% sports infrastructure ready to host the Olympics, and we have a comprehensive national plan that ensures all facilities are 100% ready. This plan is based on a long-term vision aimed at building a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable legacy. Our goal is not only to organize a successful tournament, but to provide a global experience that consolidates the concepts of inclusion, sustainability, and international cooperation."
This step is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human, societal, and economic development at the heart of its priorities. It also aligns with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of investing in sports and culture as tools for building vibrant communities, promoting active participation, and achieving social cohesion and sustainable well-being.
Qatar has a proven track record of success in hosting major international sporting events, having hosted 18 world championships over the past 20 years, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the best edition in World Cup history, the 2015 World Handball Championship, the 2019 World Athletics Championship, the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, and the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships. Doha is also gearing up to host major multi-sport tournaments, most notably the 2006 Asian Games. Doha is also preparing to host international championships such as the 2026 ISSF World Shooting Championships, the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the 2030 Asian Games.
The Qatar Olympic Committee emphasized that the proposed vision for organizing the Olympic and Paralympic Games is not limited to operational aspects alone, but rather embodies a national vision that views sports as a platform for empowering youth, transferring knowledge, fostering innovation, and supporting environmental and social priorities, in line with the aspirations of the modern Olympic movement and the values of the state.
The Qatar Olympic Committee noted its extensive consultations with local and regional partners as part of its efforts to host the Olympics, emphasising the harmony between field readiness and a long-term strategic vision. It also explained that the bidding process will proceed in the coming stages according to the highest standards and in close cooperation with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, to present an exceptional bid to host the global event.
The committee emphasised that if Qatar wins the bid to host the Games, it will be the first Olympic Games in the Middle East and North Africa. This will enable Qatar to present a unique Arab Olympic model based on diversity and openness, building on a sustainable legacy and the ability of sports to spread hope and peace, while enhancing regional representation and highlighting the energies of Arab youth.
Photo: Qatar Olympic Committee