Sir Richard Branson "Stakes his Claim" on The World

Plants the Union Jack on Great Britain, one of 300 man-made islands in Nakheel's widely acclaimed project, The World

Sir Richard Branson today planted the Union Jack and ceremoniously “staked his claim” to Great Britain on The World, at an event celebrating the debut of Virgin Atlantic Airways’ direct flights between the United Kingdom and Dubai.  

The island of Great Britain is one of 300 super luxury man-made island developments that collectively make up The World, a series of islands shaped to form the map of the world.  The islands are being constructed by Nakheel, developer of more than 30 billion of real estate in Dubai.

Branson jumped out of a red London telephone box and surprised journalists today as they arrived for a private tour of the island.

The event coincided with an announcement that 90 percent of the islands of The World have been reclaimed, with only 10 percent remaining prior to completion.

“The World is one of the most innovative developments I have ever seen, and I admire the vision that is behind this project,” stated Branson.  “The islands are truly spectacular, and who would have thought of owning your own piece of the world?”

Hamza Mustafa, GM of The World said, “Sir Richard Branson symbolizes the best of British and is the ideal person today to plant the Union Jack on Great Britain.”