QATAR. Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has opened a dedicated Rugby Store at Hamad International Airport (HIA).
The store celebrates Qatar Airways’ role as Official Title Partner and Official Airline Partner of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia currently taking place (the Lions comfortably beat the Wallabies in the first test on Saturday).
The store in Concourse B is designed to engage fans and travellers with a bold, playful design and rugby atmosphere.
The concept pays tribute to the two international teams through a rugby pitch-inspired design.
Fitting rooms styled as player lockers, astroturf flooring and locker-style displays create an immersive environment that brings a rugby pitch to life at the airport.
Among the highlights is a corridor-style photo booth where travellers can pose in front of digital goalposts.
At the store, travellers can shop rugby merchandise such as replica jerseys, branded rugby balls and travel accessories.
To mark the launch, former Lions and England captain Martin Johnson visited the store and interacted with various in-store elements including the branded rugby balls and locker-room style changing areas.
The Rugby Store reinforces QDF’s longstanding support for major sporting events building on long-standing partnerships across tennis, football, Formula 1, golf and now rugby.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh commented: “We’re really excited to open the RugbyStore here at Hamad International Airport – it’s something different, and we think travellers are going to love it.
“At Qatar Duty Free, we’re always looking for new ways to make the airport experience more fun and memorable, and what better way than bringing a bit of rugby spirit right into the terminal? Whether you’re a rugby fan heading to Australia or just curious, there’s something for everyone – great merchandise, a fun photo booth, and a space that really feels like you’re stepping onto the pitch.” ✈
