Qatar and Turkey in race to host 2036 Olympics

Qatar and Turkey are among seven countries vying to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, announced the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday. Germany, India, Hungary, South Africa, South Korea, Los Angeles, and Australia are also in preliminary talks with the IOC. Qatar aims to be the first Muslim-majority nation to host the Olympics, following the successful 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The IOC will set a shortlist in March next year, with preferred hosts to be named after discussion in 2028 and a final decision in mid-2029. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that athletes must remain the heart of the Games, regardless of the host location. Qatar has attempted to host the Olympics five times previously, while South Africa is targeting its first African Olympic hosting.

India, Hungary, and Germany are all making their first bids, while South Korea is seeking its second Olympic bid. Bidding rules have been altered this year, allowing for more than one country to be named as preferred hosts. Los Angeles and Brisbane will host the 2028 and 2032 Olympics, respectively. Hosting the Olympics is expected to bring economic benefits, with Paris 2024 projected to contribute €9-11 billion to the French economy by 2034.