DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Dubai has decided not to bid for the 2020 Olympics.
The National Olympic Committee of the United Arab Emirates says Friday a feasibility study found 70 percent of the infrastructure demands were already in place but that a “a bid would be better timed for 2024.”
Dubai has been among the leaders among Gulf cities which have used sports to raise its profile and attract tourists. It first hinted in 2009 that it might bid for the 2020 Games but the economic crisis hit the city hard and forced it to roll back its ambitions.
There also have been concerns about Dubai’s searing heat.
Madrid, Rome and Tokyo have formally announced bids for 2020.
The deadline for submission of bids is Sept. 1.
