Qatar is officially in the race to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed Qatar as one of seven interested parties seeking to host the 2036 Olympics, giving Doha’s long-running Olympic bid a major new push.
The other interested parties are Germany, Hungary, India, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Türkiye.
What happens next?
The IOC has introduced a revised selection process for the 2036 Olympic Games.
The current timeline is:
- October 31, 2026: Deadline for any additional interested parties
- November 2026: Presentations to the IOC Future Host Commission
- March 2027: IOC feasibility assessments and start of Strategic Dialogue
- December 2028: Targeted Dialogue with selected Preferred Hosts
- Mid-2029: IOC Members expected to elect the 2036 Olympic host
The bids will be assessed on areas including venues, athlete experience, funding, public and political support, Games delivery and long-term legacy.
Why Doha wants the 2036 Olympics
Qatar has built a major track record in international sport, including the 2006 Asian Games and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Doha is also preparing to host the 2030 Asian Games.
The Doha 2036 bid is built around using existing infrastructure and creating a Games focused on athletes, accessibility, sustainability and long-term benefits.
If successful, Doha 2036 would be the first Olympic and Paralympic Games held in the Middle East and North Africa.
Fatima Al Kuwari, CEO of the Doha 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee, called the IOC confirmation the beginning of a long journey for Qatar.
For now, Qatar has not won the 2036 Olympics. It has officially advanced into the IOC’s selection process, with the final host decision expected in 2029.
IOC sets out next steps for selecting 2036 Olympic Games host
