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Dubai wants 2016 Olympics, possibly
Dubai wants to make a bid for the next available Olympic Games.Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler and vice-president of the UAE, told journalists about the possible bid during his state visit to China. He declined to be specific about the target date but said a study would be started immediately. Reportedly Sheikh Mo’s ambition is to use Dubai’s Sport City, now in an advanced stage of construction within the Emirate, as the base for the event. Under construction are 25,000 and 60,000 seat stadiums with more on the drawing board.The Emirate already hosts world-class golf, tennis and rugby – and, of course, equestrian events. Next year Abu Dhabi will host its first Formula 1 Grand Prix.
There’s another fact that few should ignore: when Sheikh Mo says something will be done, he has a habit of getting his way. Quite how contestants will manage with summer-time heat approaching 50 degrees Centigrade has not been explained, but air-conditioned stadiums are not out of the question. Officially the bidding process for the 31st Olympiad is already open, with a decision expected to be announced in Copenhagen, Denmark in October 2009. Already in the running are Chicago, Prague, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Baku, Doha and Madrid. Dubai was a formal entrant (for 2016) but reportedly withdrew its application. Already declared for 2020 are Rome, Delhi, possibly Istanbul, possibly Nairobi.
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