Sir Richard Branson 'Stakes his Claim' on The World in Dubai

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

The island of Great Britain is one of 300 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.

90% of the islands of The World have been reclaimed, with only 10% 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 Sir Richard. “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.”

The World is 4km off the coast of Dubai and measures approximately 9 km in width by 7 km in length, the development covers over 593 million square feet. The mammoth project will include a collection of homes, apartments, resorts, restaurants and retail amidst beaches, boating and leisure opportunities.

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