2042 Dubai Winter Olympics

Thanks to an ambitious project that includes the construction a of 12,000 ft. mountain with yearlong artificial snow and a network of underground air-conditioned venues, Dubai was selected to host the 2042 Winter Olympic Games.

The tough competition with Barcelona (Republic of Catalu?a) e New Delhi (Central India) forced the 465 countries members of the International Olympic Committee to vote in 18 rounds. The election happened at the IOC headquarters in Moscow and took two weeks to be completed. At the end, Dubai was announced as the winner.

Despite having no tradition in winter sports, Sheik Khaled Muntasil Mash'al, the Emirati ruler since 1943, reassured the international community that they plan to hire athletes from Austria and Switzerland, unemployed for 38 years thanks to the economic crisis in Europe.

In interviews after the announcement, Sheik Mash’al commented that Global Warming played a crucial role in their project. Dubai has a long-term plan to become one of the world’s centers of excellence in winter sports just like they’ve done with soccer. “If we were able to win the FIFA World Cup in Russia, what will prevent us to beat the Canadians in ice hockey?”

The road to the Games, however, will not be easy. Some international federations are lobbying to revert the decision. They express concerns about animal rights in Dubai saying that the camels are not treated with proper respect. The old media, mostly Facebook and Twitter, have fostered the discussion despite their limited reach.

Most of the 200 TOP IOC sponsors are releasing statements.

Munro Kennet, Coca-Cola’s CEO, and sponsor of the Olympics since 1928 was the first to publicly support Dubai as a host. “I see a great opportunity for our business. The per capita consumption is only 400 gallons a year, way below the global average of 1,800 gallons.”

Uber, an Olympic sponsor for only 12 years is concerned with the newly appointed host. “It will be a long drive from London or New York to the Games and that is not ideal for our business”; said a spokesperson.

Emirates Airlines, the official aviation partner in the Middle East (except in the Palestine Republic skies) is optimistic about the event and its potential impact on the region’s tourism. The same cannot be said for the Orient Express Company, asponsor in the category of intercontinental bullet trains. They promise to start the construction of the Hong Kong – Dubai line next year. The one-way ticket is supposed to cost no more than $2 million (the equivalent price of a cappuccino at any Starbucks).

In the USA, NBC, the official broadcaster since the first edition of the Games in Greece in 1896, reassured the fans of the Curling National Team that they will be able to watch all games live, and not on a delayed broadcast as in the past 28 years.

It is too soon to make any predictions of whether or not venues will be approved by the athletes. But the music fans will not be disappointed. The Rolling Stones, one of the private bands of Sheik Mash’al, are confirmed to perform at the Opening Ceremony celebrating their 100th anniversary.

Note: Published at Forbes Brasil in October 2015