Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is able to exclusively sell FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 merchandise after being named as the official retail store for the tournament, which begins on 20 November.

The subsidiary of FIFA partner Qatar Airways is licensed to stock the goods in fan zones and at each of the eight stadiums hosting the football matches.

Football lovers will be able to get their hands on competition memorabilia when they land at Hamad International Airport – the official Airport of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – and at many outlets in malls across the country.

Meanwhile, airport departure shops will list a wide range of World Cup collectables such as the Adidas official match ball.

The collectables will be available in airport departure stores for those passengers exiting Qatar, as well as those in transit.

Excitement building…

Qatar Duty Free Vice President Thabet Musleh said: “The excitement is building day by day and Qatar Duty Free is thrilled to have been selected as the Official Retail Store for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“This enables international fans to pick up their tournament souvenirs once they arrive in the country, allowing fans to enjoy the World Cup at its fullest.

“Travellers leaving Qatar will still have the opportunity to visit our stores at the airport and take a piece of the World Cup home with them to relive their memories after the tournament has ended.”

Hamad International Airport’s current expansion programme includes 11,720sq m of retail and F&B space.

Capacity will lift to more than 58 million passengers per annum in phase A.

Phase B, scheduled to begin after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup, will increase this to more than 60 million passengers annually.

QDF has already worked closely with FIFA at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on 1 April, where VIP attendees and distinguished guests were able to purchase the Adidas official match ball for the very first time after its reveal at the Final Draw.

To read an interview with Thabet Musleh in the TRBusiness June/July e-zine, click here.