Dubai bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics

Bids for the 2016 Summer Olympics
Overview
2016 Summer Olympics
Details
City	Dubai, United Arab Emirates
NOC	United Arab Emirates National Olympic Committee
Previous games hosted
None

Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates, announced an interest in bidding for the right to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Winning the 2016 Olympic bid could increase the speed of Dubai's emergence as a leading world city. Ultimately, Dubai did not submit a bid by the September 2007 deadline.

Factors for the Bid

Dubai's recent economic and structural development would play in its favor.^[1] The construction of the Dubai Sports City and a multitude of new hotels - such as the Burj al-Arab - would also boost its chances.

Another factor in favour of the Dubai bid is its location - although this is also a major disadvantage (see below). Because no country in South America but Brazil have won it for 2016 , Africa, Southern Asia or the Middle East has ever hosted the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee is eager to grant a city in one of these regions the chance to host the Games.^[2]

Factors against the Bid

One main concern with the Dubai bid is the weather.^[1] During the summer, city temperatures can reach 45 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit), a fact that would prove disastrous to competing athletes. However, this could be somewhat improved if the Games were to be held in the early Autumn. Also, in terms of sporting history, the UAE have had a very small presence of athletes in prior Olympics, having only ever won one medal.

Outcome

Dubai ultimately did not submit a bid by the September 2007 deadline. The nearby city of Doha, Qatar submitted a bid, possibly discouraging Dubai. Rio de Janeiro won the bid and will host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Guardian article
2. ^ Rogge urges Africa to bid for 2016 Olympic Games, People's Daily Online, 13 Jan 2005, accessed 15 Apr 2007