International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said Thursday he would like to see another Middle Eastern bid for the games.
''There is an interest in certain Middle Eastern countries for the games and we would welcome their bids,'' said Rogge, while observing the Asian Beach Games on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Oman.
His comments came a week after FIFA awarded the 2022 World Cup to the tiny Gulf nation of Qatar, which made an unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Olympics.
Qatar's surprise win over heavyweight rivals, including the United States, was seen as evidence of the growing interest to blaze new ground with the world's biggest sporting events.
The 2016 Olympics in Rio will mark the first time the event is held in South America. This year's World Cup in South Africa was its debut on the continent.
Rogge did not name a specific Mideast city as a possible Olympic candidate, but said there are several sites in the region capable of ''good and well organized'' bids.
Dubai is among the cities considering a possible run at the games in 2020.
In South Africa this week, Rogge said a new region would be ''favored'' in a close race to host the games. The Olympics have never been awarded to an African city.
The Gulf, in particular, is no stranger to major sporting events, including pro tennis, golf and Formula One events. Qatar will host the Asian Cup soccer tournament next month.
