At a United Nations General Assembly dominated by the war in Ukraine, the escalation of the Israel–Palestine conflict, humanitarian crises across Africa and the Middle East, and urgent calls for global action on climate change and artificial intelligence governance, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, drew attention by placing sport at the centre of his address.
In a move that surprised delegates, the Emir formally announced his country’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, framing the initiative as a project of diplomacy and mutual understanding in an increasingly fractured world.
“Doha has long stood as a global capital hosting major political, economic, and sporting events, and we have submitted our bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, convinced that sport is a bridge for connecting peoples,” Sheikh Tamim declared. He also confirmed that Qatar will host the Second World Summit for Social Development from 4–6 November 2025, consolidating Doha’s position as a regular venue for high-level international gatherings.
Qatar’s Sporting Credentials
The announcement reflects a bold diplomatic strategy, using one of the world’s foremost multilateral stages to reinforce the legitimacy of its bid. Delivering the message at the General Assembly guaranteed immediate global visibility before nearly 200 heads of state and national representatives, serving as both a signal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a declaration to the wider international community.
Qatar points to its recent experience, particularly the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as evidence of its logistical and organisational capabilities. Beyond football’s biggest tournament, Doha has staged a string of major competitions, including the 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, the 2019 World Beach Games, and the 2024 World Aquatics Championships. It is also set to host the Basketball World Cup, while continuing to maintain a busy annual calendar featuring world-class athletics, tennis, and motorcycling events.
Global Competition for the 2036 Games
Qatar’s bid enters a crowded and competitive field. India, led by the city of Ahmedabad, has launched an ambitious proposal backed by new infrastructure projects, though it faces the challenge of building several venues from scratch. Istanbul, in Turkey, remains determined following several unsuccessful attempts, yet concerns over political and economic stability persist.
Berlin has put forward a symbolic bid, aiming to host exactly a century after the controversial 1936 Games. The city boasts strong facilities but is hampered by domestic debate over public support. Indonesia has linked its effort to its new capital, Nusantara, giving it symbolic resonance but raising doubts over whether a city still under construction can shoulder such a vast undertaking.
Elsewhere, Santiago de Chile must demonstrate its capacity to manage a global event following the 2023 Pan American Games, while South Korea’s North Jeolla Province will require significant improvements in transport and infrastructure. Several European cities remain in exploratory stages, where questions of political and social consensus continue to slow progress.
IOC Process Remains Open
The International Olympic Committee is currently reviewing its host city selection process under the leadership of its new president, Kirsty Coventry. The timeline for awarding the 2036 Games remains undefined, leaving the field wide open.
Other nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Germany (at a national level), Denmark, Canada, and Spain (Madrid), have at various times expressed interest or explored the possibility of entering the race, though few have advanced beyond preliminary discussions.
By announcing its candidacy from the floor of the United Nations, Qatar has made a calculated and highly visible move. While the IOC has yet to formalise the bidding process, Doha has signalled its intent to position itself at the forefront of the competition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
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