Despite being wildly popular in years past, the charity number auction put on by state telecom provider Ooredoo does not appear to be generating as much excitement this Ramadan.

So far, the auction, which started yesterday and ends tomorrow, has generated bids of more than QR60,000, with the highest bid coming in at QR68,500 ($18,800) for the number 6626 6226. 

Other numbers are also getting attention, including 6667 6676 for QR65,500 ($18,000); and 6664 6644 for QR63,500 ($17,400).

But last year, the highest bid for an easy-to-remember (ETR) number at the charity auction was QR1.4 million ($284,000), and the lowest was QR200,000 ($55,000).

Fewer numbers

ETR phone numbers hold a special place in many Qatar residents’ hearts, and Ooredoo holds the Guinness World Record for the sale of the world’s most expensive number –  QR10 million ($3.65 million) for 666 6666, bought in 2006.

It’s possible that this year, there are just fewer interesting phone numbers to sell. But higher bidders also have the rest of the week to participate.

A second auction for four additional numbers will be held from Monday to Wednesday, July 24. And any numbers that are not purchased will be offered again during a third auction from Thursday, July 25 to Saturday, July 27.

The telecom provider is also selling other special numbers to residents at discounted rates through October. See a list of them here.

Thoughts?

Credit: Image courtesy of Ooredoo on Facebook