As the world anticipates the announcement of the host city for the 2036 Summer Olympics, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a prominent contender. The Kingdom’s bid is part of its broader vision to diversify its economy, bolster its global image, and showcase its rapid modernisation.
However, Saudi Arabia faces stiff competition from several other nations, each with its own compelling case to host one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2036 Olympics is rooted in its Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to transform the nation’s economy, reduce its dependence on oil, and promote cultural and social development. Hosting the Olympics would be a monumental achievement for Saudi Arabia, symbolising its progress and opening the door to increased tourism, investment, and international recognition.
The Kingdom plans to leverage its rapidly expanding infrastructure, particularly in cities like Riyadh and Neom, a futuristic city being built on the Red Sea coast. The bid is also part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to position itself as a hub for international sports, as evidenced by its recent hosting of high-profile events like the Dakar Rally, Formula E races, and boxing matches. Saudi Arabia’s bid emphasises sustainability, innovation, and the creation of a legacy that aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) goals.
While the Country’s bid is strong, it is by no means guaranteed success. Several other countries have thrown their hats into the ring, each with unique advantages and strategies. India has also emerged as a serious contender for the 2036 Olympics, with a focus on hosting the games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The country sees the Olympics as a platform to assert itself as a global power, much like China did with the 2008 Beijing Games.
India’s bid emphasises its growing economy, vast population, and the potential to inspire a new generation of athletes in a country where sports have historically taken a backseat. Hosting the games would align with India’s ambitions to boost its international stature and showcase its rich cultural heritage.
The race to host the 2036 Olympics is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Each country brings a unique set of strengths and challenges to the table, and the final decision will hinge on a variety of factors, including infrastructure, sustainability, geopolitical considerations, and the ability to leave a lasting legacy.
If the key to getting the 2036 Summer Games is having hosted world championships in top-tier Olympic sports, then Qatar can point to its track record over the past decade. If winning over the International Olympic Committee is about ambition, finance and relationship-building, then India’s project backed by the Ambani family, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is well placed.
Saudi Arabia is following a similar path and in Paris sealed an Esports Olympic Games hosting deal with the IOC for 12 years, beyond the next Summer Games that is available to be awarded. If the 2036 Olympics must go to Asia – a logical option to follow Paris, Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032 – then Indonesia will push its case as a fast-emerging economy of 280 million people.
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