Just curious whether anyone interested in Gemstones here in Qatar 😅

They couldn’t even be bothered to include the fake hyperlink properly🤣🤣🤣

Why are shops in Doha refusing to sell to you unless you give them your phone number?

A few days ago, I went to buy a gold bracelet at a store in Doha. I had the money, my ID, and my passport. Despite that, they refused to sell it to me unless I gave them my phone number.

Throughout the whole process, they kept asking for it. First, when I wanted to know the price. Then again after we agreed on the purchase. Eventually, at the payment stage, it became a condition: no number, no bracelet.

Why? Why does buying something from a shop mean I have to hand over my contact details?

This feels like an increasingly common issue with private companies and retailers here. We already deal with scam texts and calls, and I’m uncomfortable with how casually businesses collect our information without explaining why they need it, who can access it, or how it’s protected.

I’m not claiming this particular shop is selling anyone’s data. My concern is that every additional company holding it is another place where it could be leaked, misused, or accessed by someone who shouldn’t have it. Whether that happens through a security flaw or an employee abusing their access, the customer is left dealing with the consequences.

And the worst part is that you don’t really get a choice when they make it a condition of buying something. If there’s an actual requirement for a purchase like gold, explain what it is and why my ID and passport aren’t enough. If it’s for a customer profile, marketing, or loyalty points, I should be able to decline.

Has anyone else experienced this in Doha? Does anyone know whether a phone number is actually required for gold purchases, or whether this is just store policy?

Hi guys,

We (employees working at a tower in Lusail) used to park in the Fifa free zones (the empty patches of land) but they have been closing one by one and the road side parkings are usually full.

Right now there are no more free zones available and the paid metro parkings will cost like 10% of our monthly salary.

The tower itself is also charging us about 700 a month to park, so we are a bit confused and lost on what to do. Parking further away is also not convenient due to the distance and heat.

Consider this as just a rant. It would have been lovely if the city was planned with more parking spaces in mind.

Hi! Just curious, does anyone know if there will be ACOTAR 6 book available for purchase on its release date, October 27th? I couldn’t find any information about it online. Thanks!

Hi guys,

I believe the title is self-explanatory, but to clarify, Lulu has a “Happiness” thing that gives about 1% cashback when you buy stuff. I believe that I have reached a good amount and I wanted to redeem them.

Hi guys! Would like to ask, does anybody have an idea on this kind of number? This is the first time i’ve seen this number, i tried searching it on truecaller but there is name, might think this is a spoofed number.

I dont have a cbq account so i do know which account they gonna suspend

And in what dictionary should i check the meaning for upda te

Has anyone ever called Ashghal or the police to complain about noisy roadworks in a residential area late at night? Did they actually do anything or ask the workers to stop?

They’re digging right in front of our building, and it’s already 1 AM, but the work is still ongoing. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and whether reporting it actually helped.

At this point, should I just consider it “music to my ears”? 😂

In a world rushing towards matcha and energy drinks, may you find people who slow down for a karak with you.

Anyway, what’s your favourite karak spot?

There’s a place in Matar called Lanka Restaurant, and honestly, they serve some of the best chai I’ve ever had. And when I say the best, I mean it’s not your typical karak or the usual condensed milk kind. It has its own taste, and it’s absolutely worth trying. They make it with Powdered Milk.

Give it a go if you’re around the area!

Also, drop your recommendations below. I’m always up for discovering a good chai spot. 👀