![Sir Richard Branson plants a UK flag into the sand on the World Islands in Dubai, on March 29, 2006. Getty Images](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/V3ZJAXQRUFB3LJGJAHSPDQEEOI.jpg?smart=true&auth=83636f1189e8ea42c1a07984c3e100464cd5c7df65b78ef6b33f4009ba5e0c51&width=400&height=225)
Sir Richard Branson plants a UK flag into the sand on the World Islands in Dubai, on March 29, 2006. Getty Images
Sir Richard Branson plants a UK flag into the sand on the World Islands in Dubai, on March 29, 2006. Getty Images
Timeframe: When Richard Branson planted a British flag on Dubai's World Islands
The British billionaire launched Virgin Atlantic's Dubai-London flights in his own inimitable style