Qatar has officially submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, PM News has learnt.
This announcement was made on Tuesday, as the Gulf country continues its push to host major international sports events and reduce its reliance on oil and gas.
Qatar, one of the richest and smallest countries in the region, successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
If selected, it would be the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the Olympics.
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said the bid marks a major step in the country’s development.
“The bid builds on our success in hosting global events, especially the FIFA World Cup,” he said in a statement.
There were international concerns about the treatment of migrant workers ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Human rights groups claimed thousands of workers died.
However, Qatari officials said 37 workers linked to World Cup projects died, with only three deaths being work-related.
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, said sports play an important role in the country’s national plans.
“We already have 95% of the needed sports venues ready, and we’re working to make everything 100% prepared,” he said.
Unlike before, countries are no longer required to publicly announce their Olympic bids. The Olympics usually move
