Qatar has long been rumoured to be preparing a bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. Along with Ahmedabad in India, the Indonesian capital Jakarta, Rhine-Ruhr region in Germany, and the Spanish capital Madrid, Doha was unsuccessful in its efforts to land the 2032 Games with Brisbane receiving approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) board. The IOC had abandoned the previous candidature system, where cities would bid against one another, in favour of having one preferred host.

IOC President Thomas Bach told AFP on Friday that "double-digit" numbers of countries have expressed an interest in hosting the 2036 Games. Saudi Arabia is one with South Korea, Indonesia and India also believed to be among potential bidders.

In Qatar's favour is their success in hosting numerous global competitions including, most notably, the 2019 World Athletics Championships, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the World Aquatics Championships earlier this year. Al-Watan says the bid will comprise a comprehensive proposal encompassing all aspects of hosting, involving various relevant government bodies.

Sheikh Joann bin Hamad Al-Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, has made plain his desire to bring the Olympics to Doha after unsuccessful efforts to stage the 2016 and 2032 Games. He said previously, "The Middle East has never had the opportunity to host the Olympic Games before. The Olympic rings stand as symbols of peace, unity, and hope for all peoples worldwide, including those in our region."