Qatar Pursues Bid for 2036 Summer Olympics
The Qatar Olympic Committee announced on Wednesday its intention to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. This decision follows the completion of various sports facilities constructed for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Sheikh Joan Bin Hamadalti, the committee’s president, commended Qatar for its significant advancements leading up to the World Cup.
Historically, Middle Eastern countries haven’t hosted the Olympics in the modern era. However, the region, particularly the Gulf nations, is becoming known for their ability to host major sporting events. Qatar notably set a precedent by hosting the 2022 World Cup, a move that came before FIFA awarded the 2036 hosting rights to Saudi Arabia.
There are concerns regarding potential human rights issues with the Olympics being held in states governed by strict laws, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and the treatment of LGBTQ individuals. Yet, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has often overlooked such concerns, as seen in its past decisions involving countries with controversial human rights records.
This week, Sheikh Joan highlighted the successful execution of the 2022 World Cup, suggesting it proves Qatar’s readiness to organize the Olympics. He stated that nearly all necessary sports infrastructure for the games is already in place, according to reports from local media.
He went on to describe the progress made towards 2022 as incredible, emphasizing the goal of creating a sustainable legacy leading up to 2036.
“The vision is grounded in sustainable development principles,” he remarked, aiming to create an experience that emphasizes inclusivity, environmental conservation, and international cooperation.
The Qatar Olympic Committee mentioned it is currently in discussions with the IOC, although specific details about the bid’s progression have not been released.
Prior attempts by Qatar to secure the Olympics in 2016 and 2020 were unsuccessful. The upcoming editions of the Summer Olympics are set for Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032, leaving 2036 as a potential opportunity for new hosts – unless other veteran bidders enter before the IOC’s deadline. Rumored competitors include Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Egypt, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and Canada.
Human rights organizations have noted significant abuses related to labor conditions leading up to Qatar’s World Cup, citing hundreds of worker deaths according to the Qatari government. Reports highlighted extreme labor violations, especially concerning migrant workers.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced backlash for Qatar’s record on human rights but attempted to address it with a sympathetic monologue, expressing solidarity with various marginalized groups.
Much criticism has centered on the “Kefala” system, which unfairly binds migrant workers to employers, denying them basic rights. During the World Cup preparations, it was officially reported that hundreds of workers died, although many of these deaths were attributed to unrelated health issues rather than harsh working conditions.
The Qatari government has actively responded to critiques of its human rights practices, with high-ranking officials asserting that the country has faced unprecedented scrutiny since being awarded the World Cup hosting duties.
The Foreign Minister also labeled some of the international criticism as arrogant and prejudiced, further underscoring the tension surrounding Qatar’s human rights narrative.
