Heat not cost likely to put Dubai off 2020 Olympics bid

Dubai is still considering whether to make a bid for the 2020 Olympic Games and is evaluating the practicality of making a successful bid, said the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday.

His remarks come amid mounting excitement at the possibility of a bid mainly among younger nationals. This week the SportsAccord International Convention 2010, the largest world event of its kind, is being held in Dubai for the first time at The Atlantis hotel, focusing attention on the possible Olympic bid.

Economic return

Sheikh Mohammed did not appear worried about the huge cost, and thought ‘the economic benefits are obvious. Every time we host a major sporting event, it generates income for Dubai and raises our international profile. Our world-class venues and other quality infrastructure have made Dubai a top destination on the global sports calendar.’

But he went on to point out that there was at present no bid for the Olympics, only a full study about the practicality of a bid. This is a real issue.

In the words of Sheikh Mohammed: ‘We also have to be realistic. The summer heat here can be a serious problem for athletes. We will have to take an honest look at our weaknesses as well as our strengths. I can assure you of this, though: if we decide to make a bid for the Olympics, we will be in it to win.’

Summer heat

The Olympics have been held in sub-tropical climates before like Beijing and Atlanta but never in the heat of the Arabian summer in August. There would almost certainly have to be a time-shift as happens for the winter games.

Would the all-powerful International Olympics Committee accept this? It is possible and needs to be clarified before a bid can be entertained. There would still be question marks over the additional infrastructure required and how the private sector might be involved.

However, the first Olympic Games in the Middle East would be a coup indeed both for Dubai and the UAE. It would also be a symbol of hope for the millions in the region who live in less fortunate circumstances. Perhaps Dubai is a little ahead of its time in considering an Olympiad but then who would have thought that Dubai would have the world’s tallest building even 10 years ago?