This ETF could get a boost if Qatar lands the 2036 Summer Olympics

[Qatar, Doha, Exterior]
Walter Bibikow/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Qatar has officially launched its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The development is notable because Qatar is looking to become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to stage the Olympics.

The Qatar Olympic Committee publicly announced its bid on Tuesday and said it is currently in the ongoing dialogue stage with the International Olympic Committee. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani described the bid as a new milestone” in Qatar's development, emphasizing its growing profile as a global sports hub.

Notably, Qatar hosted the last men’s FIFA World Cup in 2022, plus Doha has recently held World Championships in aquatic sports, track and field, and gymnastics.

For investors, the iShares MSCI Qatar ETF (NASDAQ:QAT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/QAT]) is currently the only U.S.-listed ETF that provides dedicated exposure to Qatari equities. The fund tracks the MSCI All Qatar Capped Index, investing primarily in large-, mid-, and small-cap companies listed in Qatar. The iShares MSCI Qatar ETF (NASDAQ:QAT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/QAT]) is up 13% over the last 52 weeks.

The 2028 Summer Olympics are scheduled for Los Angeles, and the 2032 Summer Olympics are set for Brisbane, Australia.

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