Qatar-based Sokook Mega Company (SMC) has joined hands with an Air France subsidiary to launch Sokook Mega Servair Qatar, which will provide halal-certified hospitality, food and beverage services to different segments of customers in the country.
The firm led by Sheikh Nasser bin Jassim bin Abdulla al-Thani is also working on a project to bring the Albergo boutique hotel to Qatar, for which it holds the franchise.
Speaking to Gulf Times yesterday, SMC board member and managing director Zain al-Shaker said Qatar’s “booming economy” provides a “huge potential” for a halal-certified hospitality management company.
“We can provide hospitality, food and beverage services to virtually anyone- multinational companies, large corporates, MICE industry, educational institutions and hospitals among others,” al-Shaker said.
In view of the SMC tie-up with Servair, the joint venture would have the capability for air catering, aircraft cabin and other related services. “But that will only be one of the businesses we will be focusing on,” al-Shaker said.
“We believe the market is quite open in Qatar…we believe the potential is huge and great for the hospitality industry in the country and this has been shown in a market research we have carried out,” she said.
To facilitate Sokook Mega Servair Qatar business, a world scale ultra-modern kitchen would be set up in Qatar with the support of Germany-based Palux, al-Shaker said.
She said by introducing the Servair business in Qatar through the joint venture, a “reputable global brand” gets going in the country.
“Servair Qatar also complements a number of important developments in the hospitality industry in Qatar and the extensive Doha events’ calendar including the much-awaited FIFA World Cup in 2022.
“We are confident our partnership with Servair will bring a ‘taste of the world’ to Qatar,” al-Shaker said.
Sokook Mega Servair Qatar was launched at an event held at the Four Seasons last night. The event was attended among others by Qatari dignitaries and diplomats.
Addressing the event, Sheikh Nasser said, “Sokook Mega Company is proud to bring the distinguished and renowned Servair brand to Qatar, to complement an ever growing national hospitality infrastructure.
“SMC offers hospitality, food and beverages services in partnership with some of the globe’s most reputable names. Its portfolio includes hotels, concept restaurants, health centres and ancillary services.”A subsidiary of Air France, Servair is the first catering company in Europe and one of the largest in the world employing more than 10,000 people. With some “56 stopovers in five continents and a myriad of destinations,” the firm also provides aircraft cabin cleaning and airport services as well as engineering solutions.
Servair Vice President Denis Hasdenteufel said, “I have the faith that our venture will bear fruit to the benefit of both of our companies, besides realising our goals in the hospitality industry.”
