Keeta in Qatar: Here for the long run
<p>Doha, Qatar: A year can be a long time in technology, but in the business of building something from scratch, Jane Liu considers it only the beginning.</p> <p>As Keeta marks its first anniversary in Qatar, its General Manager is less interested in celebrating the passing of 12 months than in what those months have taught the company about the country it now calls one of its international…
Doha, Qatar: After just one year in the market, Keeta, the food delivery company, is focused on building on its foundation rather than celebrating mere survival. General Manager Jane Liu emphasizes that the anniversary marks the beginning of a long journey for the company in Qatar.
Liu describes the company's position as "relevant" in the competitive food delivery landscape, stating that their goal is to contribute to the market's growth rather than merely compete for existing market share. She attributes their choice of entering the Qatar market to its potential for growth, rather than simply seeking to take customers away from competitors.
The success of Keeta in Qatar is not measured solely by the number of customers they acquire, but by their ability to raise industry standards and contribute to the market's development. Liu's background in strategy and her experience in China and Saudi Arabia have informed their localized approach to the market. Understanding the specific needs and preferences of Qataris and their restaurant partners has been crucial for Keeta's success.
To stay attuned to local preferences, Keeta's teams regularly engage with customers and merchants, feeding insights back into the business. The company is exploring opportunities beyond food delivery, including quick commerce for groceries, pharmacies, and other everyday items. Liu also mentions the potential for emerging technologies like drone delivery and autonomous vehicles in the future.
However, Liu's focus remains on people, not just technology. She emphasizes the importance of riders as human touchpoints between the delivery platform and customers, implementing safety initiatives, professional training, and recognition programs. Additionally, Keeta supports the strong community of small and medium-sized restaurants in Qatar through its SMB Constellation program, which shares the stories of local restaurant founders.
Running a multicultural operation in Qatar has also influenced Liu's leadership style. Instead of focusing on the differences between nationalities, genders, or backgrounds, she looks for common ground. Liu states that the company's goal is to learn, grow, and build something new together with everyone involved. She believes that the next years will determine how deeply Keeta belongs in Qatar.
Written by urgent.news from The Peninsula Qatar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
