BRITISH Airways (BA) has announced the winners of Business Opportunity Grants, an initiative in collaboration with the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (Sagia) and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) aimed at encouraging the small and medium sized business in Saudi Arabia.
The campaign, part of British Airways’ commitment to stimulate local businesses and support them to grow, awarded the winning SMEs return Club World (business class) tickets to a destination of their choice on the airline’s global network. The winners were selected from more than 370 entries.
Paolo De Renzis, Regional Commercial Manager, Middle East, said: "The Business Opportunity Grants was an important program that helped to stimulate business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by focusing on tangible human connections as a crucial driver of business growth.
"British Airways is committed to Saudi Arabia and by investing in local business we are confident that it will demonstrate the value of traveling for business. It is essential for businesses to travel to where the opportunities are and by engaging in face-to-face meetings, they help to build long-term relationships and drive success."
Speaking on their involvement in the Business Opportunity Grants, Kim Al Sahhaf, Head of Competitiveness Initiatives at Sagia, said: "SAGIA has supported small and medium-sized businesses in the Kingdom through our own initiative, the Saudi Fast Growth 100 (SFG 100), which measures the growth of the smaller corporate sector.
By raising awareness of the Business Opportunity Grants through our network, we have helped to fuel the opportunities and growth for the SFG 100 community."
The winners of the Business Opportunity Grants represent a broad cross-section of SMEs, from IT and engineering to film and television companies.
Among them are Amr Madani, co-founder and operations manager at National Talents based in the Eastern province, which provides youth with opportunities to enhance their skills in science and engineering.
Another winner, Sulaiman Al-Zuhair is general manager of Jubail-based Crucial Solutions & Services (CSS).
The 50 winners will travel in British Airways’ Club World cabin, enjoying their own private space to work or relax.
From the ergonomically designed seating with ’z’ bed position, more storage and greater privacy, to a six-foot fully flat bed and Club Kitchen, the business traveler’s every need is catered for. – SG
