Qatar 2036 Olympics bid announced, aiming to bring the Games to the Middle East. With 95% venues ready, the nation builds on its FIFA World Cup success

Qatar has formally submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, PM News has learnt. The announcement was made on Tuesday, signalling the Gulf nation’s ongoing ambition to become a global hub for major sporting events.

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Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani described the move as a major step in Qatar’s long-term development. “The bid builds on our success in hosting global events, especially the FIFA World Cup,” he said.

If successful, Qatar would become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the Olympic Games. The nation previously made global headlines for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, an event that attracted both praise and controversy.

Human rights groups had raised concerns about the treatment of migrant workers ahead of the World Cup. While critics claimed thousands died, Qatari officials stated that 37 worker deaths were linked to the tournament, with only three confirmed as work-related.

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, noted that the country is well-prepared for the Olympics. “We already have 95% of the needed sports venues ready, and we’re working to make everything 100% prepared,” he said.

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Under new rules, countries are no longer required to publicly declare their Olympic bids. However, Qatar’s announcement signals clear intent and readiness to bring the Olympic Games to the region for the first time.