DOHA: The Fifa World Cup has come to the desert, and the Olympics could be next.
That is what the Gulf state is planning for. Indeed, they have proved to be well-oiled in organising mega events. Their hosting of the 2022 Fifa World Cup did impress the rest of the world.
Now, Qatar wants to host the biggest show on Earth - the Olympics.
The excellent organisers that they are, the Qatar Local Organising Committee (LOC) have taken it upon themselves to stage 85 sporting events this year alone.
LOC chairman Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani revealed that they hope to be the first ever Middle Eastern country to host the Olympics - in 2036.
For now, Qatar will focus on staging the 2030 Asian Games, which it previously hosted in 2006.
"It is our target to host the Olympics, and these various events including the Asian Games, can help us to get there," said Sheikh Hamad.
Qatar is currently hosting the quadrennial Asian Cup football tournament. "Everyone is here for the Asian Cup. We have many ideas, projects and have hosted plenty of events in the past. What you can see now is improvements on what we have done earlier."
Sheikh Hamad said he is proud that his country has been able to show off its hospitality, diversity, culture, heritage and immaculate stadiums at the Asian Cup.
"I believe Asian countries deserve to play in the type of stadiums and facilities that we have, where they can showcase their performances," said Sheikh Hamad.