Privacy Policy


1. Who We Are

This Privacy Policy describes how Souk Okaz for Advertising and Promotion ("Souk Okaz," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you use the Souk Okaz mobile application ("the App").


The App is available in Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By using the App, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.


2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:


  • Account Information: Name and mobile number, collected at registration

  • Listing Content: Photos, descriptions, prices, and ad titles, collected when posting an ad

  • Location Data: Selected city (Qatar or KSA), collected during ad creation

  • Usage Data: Screens viewed, searches performed, and filters applied, collected during App usage

  • Device Information: Device type, operating system version, and App version, collected at App launch

  • Communications: Comments posted on listings

We do not collect payment information. No financial transactions are processed through the App.


3. How We Use Your Information

Your data is used to:


  • Create and manage your user account

  • Publish and display your listings to other users

  • Enable communication between buyers and sellers

  • Personalise search results and category recommendations

  • Send OTP verification messages for authentication

  • Detect and prevent fraud, spam, or policy violations

  • Analyse and improve the App's performance and features

  • Send service-related notifications (not marketing without consent)

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Your information may be shared only in the following circumstances:


  • With other users: Your listing content, username, and contact information (as you choose to include) are visible to other App users.

  • Service providers: We use trusted third-party providers for cloud hosting, OTP delivery, and analytics. These providers are contractually bound to protect your data.

  • Legal obligations: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental authority in Qatar or Saudi Arabia.

  • Business transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your data may be transferred to the successor entity, subject to this Policy.

Note: When you contact a seller via WhatsApp or phone call, your communication happens outside our platform and is subject to the respective service's privacy policy.


5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the App's services. Specifically:


  • Active listings are stored until you delete them or your account

  • Account information is retained for the lifetime of your account

  • Usage and analytics data may be retained in anonymised form indefinitely

  • Upon account deletion, personal data is removed within 30 days, except where legal obligations require longer retention

6. Your Rights

As a user, you have the right to:


  • Access the personal information we hold about you

  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data via your profile settings

  • Delete your account and associated data at any time through the App's Settings

  • Withdraw consent for optional data processing

  • Request a copy of your data by contacting us at the address below

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@souqokaz.qa.


7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:


  • Encrypted transmission of data between the App and our servers (HTTPS/TLS)

  • Secure cloud infrastructure with access controls

  • OTP-based authentication to prevent unauthorised account access

  • Regular security reviews of our systems

While we take every reasonable precaution, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. You use the App at your own risk.


8. Third-Party Services

The App relies on the following third-party services, each governed by their own privacy policies:


  • OTP Provider: Used for mobile number verification during login

  • Cloud Hosting: Infrastructure for storing App data securely

  • WhatsApp: Optional seller contact feature (Meta Platforms, Inc.)

  • Analytics: Aggregated, anonymised usage statistics

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party services.


9. Children's Privacy

The Souk Okaz App is intended for users aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that a minor has registered on the platform, we will promptly delete their account and associated data.


If you believe a minor is using the App, please contact us at info@souqokaz.qa.


10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. For material changes, we will notify you via the App or the mobile number registered to your account.


Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy.


11. Contact Us

For any privacy-related questions, requests, or concerns, please reach out to us:


  • Email: info@souqokaz.qa

  • Address: Souq Okaz for Advertising and Promotion, Doha, Qatar

We aim to respond to all requests within 7 business days.