June 17 - British Airways has given away business class tickets worth Dh6.5 million to 30 small- and medium-sized enterprises in the UAE in order to encourage entrepreneurship in a tight economy.

According to an airline spokesperson, the move will help businesses to stimulate growth. Over 300 companies applied for a British Airways Business Opportunity Grant and those who won include restaurants, advertising firms, companies operating in the arts sector, office supplies firms and more.

Each winning firm has got 10 return flight tickets. "It may seem self-serving to talk about the need for business travel but the fact remains: face-to-face interaction, the human connection, is what will propel businesses forward in what is still a tough economic climate," said Paolo De Renzis, Area Commercial Manager, Middle East.