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City Dubai, United Arab Emirates NOC United Arab Emirates National Olympic Committee | ||
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 have increased the speed of Dubai's emergence as a leading world city. Ultimately, Dubai did not submit a bid by the September 2007 deadline.
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Factors for the Bid
Dubai's recent economic and structural development were seen to play in its favor. 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 was its location - although this was also a major disadvantage (see below). There had never been a host country from South America (until Brazil have won it for 2016), Africa, Southern Asia or the Middle East, leading the International Olympic Committee to be eager to grant a city in one of these regions the chance to host the Games. However, they were more eager in granting it to poorer nations than the UAE.
Factors against the Bid
One main concern with the Dubai bid was the weather. During the summer, city temperatures can reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), a fact that would prove disastrous to competing athletes. However, this would 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 hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics.