Abu Dhabi:Seven countries have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) outlines the next steps in the selection process.

According to Emirates News Agency, the countries currently in Continuous Dialogue with the IOC are Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Türkiye. The IOC has announced that other interested parties have until October 31 to come forward for consideration.

The seven interested countries have been invited to present their Games projects to the Future Host Commission in November. Their proposals will be evaluated on various technical factors, including venue master plans, athlete experience, funding strategies, political and public support, Games delivery capabilities, and legacy strategies for long-term community benefits.

In March 2027, the IOC Executive Board will shortlist the interested parties to transition from continuous dialogue to a more strategic dialogue. Preferred hosts are expected to enter Targeted Dialogue in 2028, with IOC members scheduled to elect the host for the 2036 Games by mid-2029.

India is aiming to host the Olympic Games for the first time, while Qatar seeks to be the first in its region to stage the Summer Olympics. South Africa could become the first African country to host the Games. Germany, Hungary, and Türkiye are also pursuing their Olympic aspirations. The Republic of Korea has previously hosted the Summer Olympics in Seoul in 1988 and the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang in 2018.

The upcoming Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028, followed by Brisbane in 2032.