• Qatar has officially submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• The Gulf state aims to leverage existing infrastructure from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
• If successful, Qatar would become the first Middle Eastern country to host the Olympics.
• The country has engaged in ongoing discussions with the IOC regarding the bidding process.
• Other nations interested in the 2036 Games include Indonesia, India, and Turkey.

Qatar has formally announced its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aiming to capitalize on its established sports infrastructure following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This ambition reflects a strategic initiative to diversify its energy-reliant economy by hosting major sporting events, according to trtglobal and Reuters.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister, stated that the bid marks "a new milestone in Qatar’s journey." He emphasized that Qatar's experience in hosting international events positions it as a strong candidate. “The bid builds on Qatar's proven track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events,” noted Al-Thani, as reported by SCMP and Al Jazeera.

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) asserts that the nation is in continuous dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the bidding process. With about 95% of the required sports infrastructure ready, the QOC's president, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, highlighted a comprehensive national plan to ensure complete readiness for the Games, according to India Times and Dawn.

If Qatar secures the bid, it would become the first country in the Middle East to host the Olympics, which aligns with the IOC's long-term rotation plans. Countries such as Indonesia, Turkey, and India have also expressed interest, indicating a competitive landscape for the 2036 Games. This underscores the region's growing influence in international sports, as noted by Reuters and India Times.