Qatar's Olympic ambitions on the UN stage
Following Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s recent speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Gulf state has renewed its drive to host the 2036 Summer Games, linking its sporting ambitions to its international relations profile.
During his address on 23 September, the Emir presented Qatar as a stable, modern and regionally influential state, emphasising global governance, respect for international law and human dignity.
Analysts noted the tone and timing of the speech, as Doha used one of the world's most visible diplomatic platforms to consolidate its image as an emerging power capable of balancing political influence with sporting projection.
The Emir stressed the importance of 'cooperation among states' and of 'a fairer and more equitable international order' — principles that Doha has also sought to associate with its sports policy and Olympic aspirations.
He said that the thriving, now iconic city had established itself as a global hub for hosting major political, economic and sporting events, bringing together leaders and decision-makers from around the world to discuss and develop practical solutions to shared challenges.
He also announced that Qatar will host the Second World Summit on Social Development from 4 to 6 November 2025. "With this solid legacy, we have presented our bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, convinced that sport is not merely a competition but a bridge that connects peoples and a platform to promote peace and understanding," he added.
The Emir condemned the Israeli airstrike on Doha on 9 September, which allegedly targeted a Hamas delegation engaged in ceasefire talks, calling it 'state terrorism' aimed at undermining Qatar’s mediation efforts between Israel and the terrorist organisation from Palestine. He also referred to missile attacks launched from Iran against Al Udeid Air Base in June 2025, which Qatar said it had intercepted, framing both incidents as challenges to regional stability and national sovereignty.
By raising these issues at the UN, Qatar reinforced its role as an active mediator and used the global platform to highlight its Olympic ambitions.
On 23 July, the Qatar Olympic Committee formally announced the establishment of the Bid Committee for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, chaired by Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and vice-chaired by Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani.
According to the QOC, the committee's mission is to engage domestic and international stakeholders to develop a technically robust, sustainable and socially inclusive proposal. Qatar claims to already possess 95 per cent of the necessary sports infrastructure and has proven organisational experience in hosting major sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the World Athletics and Aquatics Championships.
Doha previously reached the final phase of bidding for the 2032 Games, which were ultimately awarded to Brisbane, Australia. Following unsuccessful attempts for the 2016 and 2020 Games, Qatar now sees a more favourable context, backed by stronger diplomatic capital and a mature infrastructure network.
Doha is also set to host the 2030 Asian Games, having previously staged the event in 2006 — a fact that reinforces its position as the natural hub for the 2036 bid.
If successful against rival bids from Istanbul (Türkiye), Ahmedabad (India), Nusantara (Indonesia) and Santiago (Chile), Qatar would become the first Middle Eastern country to host the Olympic Games, in a region playing an increasingly prominent role in global sport.
In an Olympic landscape where sport, diplomacy and image intertwine, Doha is using its bid as a means of strengthening legitimacy and projecting soft power on the international stage.