Despite global doubts and criticism, both Doha and Dubai would be primed to deliver a great performance as host of the summer Olympics, a senior Kuwaiti official has said.

Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah made the remarks while speaking to Reuters ahead of the 17th Asian Games, which open today.

Taking into account global reaction about Qatar as host of the upcoming 2022 World Cup, Al-Sabah said he knew the idea of hosting a summer games in the Gulf would come under fire.

But he added:

“I think even if we host a birthday party there would be such a reaction – That is the tradition of the media. For that we have to respect their thoughts, but we have to trust ourselves that we can deliver a great event.”

Repeated attempts

Doha has bid twice for the summer Olympics, but never made it past the first round for the 2016 and 2020 bids. Not to be deterred, the bid committee said after being turned down in 2012 that it would be trying again for the 2024 bid.

Some 20 other cities around the world, including Dubai, have also expressed interest in bidding for the 2024 Olympics. However, the emirate has since demurred on the idea.

Last summer, the head of strategic planning for the UAE National Olympic Committee was reported as saying that “the government is not ready yet to participate in an Olympic bid,” but added that it may become a contender for a later tournament.

Bidding for the 2024 host city will begin next year, and a final decision will be announced in 2017.

Thoughts?