Doha, Qatar, is in the running to host the 2036 Olympic Games alongside six other nations. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recently outlined the comprehensive selection process, progressing toward the final decision on the host country, which is expected to be made in mid-2029.
Countries Competing for the 2036 Olympics
In addition to Qatar, the nations vying for the Olympics include Germany, Hungary, India, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Turkiye. All seven are currently engaged in a ‘Continuous Dialogue’ with the IOC to discuss their plans for the prestigious event. This ongoing communication indicates that these nations are committed to fine-tuning their proposals and aligning them with the IOC’s expectations.
The selection journey will advance to a more focused ‘Strategic Dialogue’ phase in March 2027, involving detailed feasibility assessments of each bid. Subsequently, ‘Preferred Hosts’ will enter a ‘Targeted Dialogue’ in December 2028. This systematic approach enables the IOC to evaluate each proposal based on specific criteria, ensuring that only the most viable options are considered for the 2036 Olympics.
Evaluation Criteria for Host Cities
The IOC has detailed the parameters that will guide the evaluation of each city’s proposal. Key factors include venue masterplans, athlete experience, financial strategy, political and public support, operational capabilities, and the potential legacy of hosting the Games. Additionally, the projects will need to reflect a clear vision that aligns with local development goals and the overarching aims of the Olympic Movement.
Kirsty Coventry, IOC President and an accomplished former swimmer, emphasized that the athlete experience must be the top priority in the selection process. “Each Olympic experience is unique, but the focus on athletes should never waver,” she stated. Coventry highlighted the years of hard work athletes invest in their dream of participating in the Games and underscored the importance of delivering an unforgettable experience.
Qatar’s Experience in Hosting Major Events
Qatar’s ambition to host the Olympics follows a track record of managing significant international sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2022. Doha is also set to host the Asian Games in 2030, marking the second time it will welcome this prestigious event after hosting it in 2006. This history positions Qatar as a serious contender, as the nation demonstrates its capabilities in organizing large-scale athletic competitions.
The IOC’s current selection approach is founded on a dialogue strategy initiated in 2019, overseen by the Future Host Commission. Throughout the ongoing dialogue, technical workshops have been provided to assist nations in developing their venue plans, funding models, and visions for the event’s impact and legacy. Each proposal is undergoing thorough technical evaluation, supported by independent assessments and public opinion surveys.
As the timeline progresses, feasibility assessments are scheduled for completion by March 2027. The IOC anticipates significant support during the Strategic Dialogue and plans site evaluations to enhance its understanding of each proposed location. By December 2028, focus will shift to engaging a select group of Preferred Hosts, allowing them to finalize their proposals before the IOC members cast their votes for the host city in mid-2029.
With a robust selection process and a commitment to prioritizing athletes’ experiences, the path to the 2036 Olympics is set to be an engaging and competitive journey.