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?

Edit: I used an llm to layout the argument for discussion. That doesn't mean just because I used an llm that I don't care for myself or the elderly people in my community to be scammed. The goal of this post isn't to just complain or to find a solution. The goal of it is for us as a community to have a discussion on this real phenomenon that is new to this country. I'm 34 I was born and raised here and one thing about this place is that change always starts with the community not by mindless complaints. I hope we can discuss how we can get these companies to stop this abuse. One complaint by a Palestinian immigrant doesn't make a difference but a community of people aware of these businesses and shady practices and denying them access to their numbers as well as teaching the elderly and uninformed around us will really put a dent in all these spam calls we are all getting.

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

Hi guys,

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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.

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Thank you in advance for your help!

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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. 👀

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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.