Qatar's bid to host 2036 Olympics a strategic leap toward global sporting leadership: Experts
Doha
In a historic and unprecedented move for the Arab world, Qatar has officially submitted its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This makes Qatar the first Arab and Middle Eastern nation to seek the honour of organising the world's largest sporting event.
The announcement follows recent discussions between the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and stands as a powerful testament to Qatar's confidence in its organisational capabilities and its extensive experience in hosting major global sports events.
This bold step is seen as a natural extension of Qatar's longstanding sports legacy, which culminated in the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022—widely praised for its innovation, infrastructure, and fan experience.
Qatar has also hosted other landmark competitions such as the World Athletics Championships and the FINA World Swimming Championships, steadily reinforcing its status as a premier global sporting destination.
The momentum behind Qatar's Olympic bid is further amplified by the candidacy of President of the Qatar Olympic Committee His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani for the presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia, declared on July 16.
This strategic move reflects Qatar's commitment to broadening its influence in the regional and international sports arena and playing a pivotal role in advancing unity and excellence in Asian sports.
To explore the deeper significance of this historic Olympic bid, Qatar Tribune sought exclusive commentary from regional and international experts, including Qatari sports analyst Suleiman Al Marri, Iraqi sports commentator Laith Al Qaisi, and Canada-based sports writer Dr. Anas Ziad.
Their insights shed light on the strategic, social, and geopolitical dimensions of Qatar's bold move.
Qatar is ready, technically and philosophically:
Suleiman Al Marri
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Qatari sports photographer Suleiman Al Marri emphasised that the Olympic bid reflects far more than symbolic ambition.
'Qatar's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not a ceremonial gesture. It's a statement of readiness—not just in terms of infrastructure, but in terms of a comprehensive national vision that places sports at the heart of human and social development,' he said.
Al Marri pointed to Qatar's proven ability to manage complex global events, citing the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a benchmark.
He said, 'Qatar introduced new standards in organisation, innovation, and technological integration. From stadiums to transportation and logistics, every element was delivered at a world-class level. The Olympic bid is the next step in that evolution, one defined by leadership and ambition.'
Addressing the level of national support, Al Marri highlighted the alignment between public enthusiasm and governmental strategy, saying: 'Qatar doesn't view sports as merely a source of medals and flags. Sports are a strategic tool for enhancing public health, strengthening social cohesion, and unlocking economic, touristic, and investment opportunities. This aligns perfectly with the Qatar National Vision 2030.'
He underscored the importance of international alliances.
'The Qatar Olympic Committee has built strong global relationships. Qatar's sports diplomacy is a model in itself. I'm confident the IOC will recognise this bid as a holistic and human-centred proposal for the Olympics of the future.'
Laith Al Qaisi: This is a defining moment, led by a visionary sports leadership
For Iraqi sports analyst Laith Al Qaisi, the timing of Qatar's Olympic bid is tactically brilliant.
He said, 'This is a perfect moment. Qatar is riding a wave of athletic momentum, and there is a growing global awareness that non-traditional hosts can deliver spectacular global events. Doha has evolved into not just a sports capital of the region, but a global hub for sporting and cultural dialogue.'
Al Qaisi sees a strategic synergy between Qatar's Olympic bid and the candidacy of Sheikh Joaan for the Asian Olympic Council.
'His Excellency Sheikh Joaan is not just a senior official—he is one of the most influential architects of Qatar's sports development. His leadership of the QOC has been transformative, and his consensual style makes him a natural candidate. Should he be elected, Qatar's regional influence in sports will be significantly strengthened,' he opined.
What sets the Qatari model apart, he argues, is its dual focus on infrastructure and human capital, saying: 'Qatar has quietly built a professional sporting ecosystem. From Aspire Academy to the world-renowned Aspetar hospital, and through strategic partnerships with international federations, Qatar has created an administrative and developmental model worth showcasing.'
Al Qaisi emphasised the regional implications of the bid.
'This is not just about Qatar—it's a bid on behalf of the Arab world. Hosting the Olympics would present the region as a place of innovation, peace, and global cooperation through sport,' he added.
Qatar's bid challenges Western centralism:
Dr. Anas Ziad
From a geopolitical perspective, Dr. Anas Ziad, a sports writer for Canada Press, views Qatar's bid as a moment of global transformation.
He said, 'This is a turning point in Olympic history. Qatar's candidacy isn't just about entering the race—it's about redrawing the Olympic map. Historically, Olympic hosts have been concentrated in the traditional West or select East Asian powers. Qatar is now challenging that pattern.'
Dr. Ziad noted that Qatar's bid aligns with broader shifts in the global sporting ecosystem, stressing: 'The IOC today is actively seeking sustainable and impactful models for Olympic hosting. Qatar has demonstrated that it can deliver not only excellence in organisation but also lasting legacies of every event it hosts.'
He highlighted the 2022 World Cup as a game-changing reference point, saying: 'The success of the World Cup proved Qatar's ability to shape global narratives—culturally, politically, and logistically. That legacy strengthens the credibility of the Olympic bid.'
While acknowledging that competition for the 2036 Games will be fierce, Ziad emphasised Qatar's greatest asset: credibility.
'Qatar's strength lies in its consistent delivery and integrity. If the bid is successful, and I believe its chances are strong, it will mark a historical shift in how we define Olympic identity, linking sport with global peace, inclusion, and equitable development. Qatar has a rare opportunity to lead that transformation—and it seems poised to do so.'
A Global Opportunity Rooted in National Vision
Qatar's 2036 Olympic bid is more than an aspiration—it's a strategic milestone that encapsulates the country's evolution as a sports, cultural, and diplomatic powerhouse. It reflects Qatar's belief in the unifying power of sport and its ability to serve as a platform for intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
As the world prepares to evaluate competing bids, Qatar's proposal stands out for its depth, maturity, and clarity of vision. With a legacy of successful mega events and world-class infrastructure, Qatar is not just bidding to host an Olympic Games, it is offering the world a new model for what global sport can mean in the 21st century.
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