Furious 7 star Tyrese Gibson has a vision for the Middle East

The star still has big plans to open a film studio in Abu Dhabi but says he needs more local support.

Actor and singer Tyrese Gibson met fans, signed autographs and took selfies on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National

Tyrese Gibson is hoping to push ahead with his ambitious plans to launch a new film studio in Abu Dhabi, although he admits he needs more local support to help see his dream translate into reality.

"I have been here, met and been embraced by the locals," says the American entertainer and star of Furious 7.

“But if I’m not able to live out this vision then this may be my last trip here. I am asking for the support of the decision-makers and the people that could snap their fingers and have it all come to life, inshallah.”

The actor told The National about his Voltron Studios plans in August last year, when he revealed ambitions to bring a US$700m (Dh2.5 billion) slate of films to his new Abu Dhabi ­venture.

He elaborated further on Tuesday, following a meet-and-greet and autograph-signing session at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel, where scenes for last year's Furious 7 were shot.

“I see it, I feel it,” he says. “Others may come here and get caught up in all the energy, the smoke, the ‘stuff’ – I came here and was inspired by all the amazing things that have been accomplished in this region, and the way my mind works as a creative person, I wanted to work out what’s missing.

“That’s where my focus went, and with this God-sent vision I figured that out, and what I want to do with this vision, with Voltron Studios, will benefit the entire Middle East and the entire perception of what the world thinks of the Middle East.”

Global perceptions of the region are clearly something Gibson is passionate about addressing.

“They pump this into the media every day in America,” he says. “Every time you see someone in a kandura, a bisht or a hijab there are these negative perceptions created. My vision, and my intention for Abu Dhabi, is to change the entire perception of the Middle East. This is not just going to be some local business that will succeed locally. What we want to do here will be powerful and life-changing for everyone in the world.”

This brings Tyrese back to the necessity of attracting UAE donors to support the project.

Unlike the numerous celebratory images Tyrese posts during his frequent UAE visits, he is adamant that his time here is not all fun and games.

“It’s not just financial backing I need, but political – various ­different things,” he says. “When I say I may not be coming back, I don’t say that in any type of way. It’s very simple – while others may come back again and again for gifts, to party, to be in the nice suites in hotels or yachts and get caught up in all that, I am so clear and specific about my vision and idea for the region.

“If there comes a point when I don’t believe there’s any real traction and energy to get behind it, then I will go where I am celebrated and where people understand what the vision and the intention is. “There are enough people who come here to receive gifts, or get paid to host parties and perform, but I don’t take anything for granted. I don’t care if it’s just a free glass of water. It’s not mine, and people don’t have to do anything nice for me.

“I believe in fair exchange. I’m here for free. I was signing for three hours, smiling and signing things. I don’t want that to sound like I think I’m doing anyone a favour by being here – I just want to give back, and I’m very, very determined to get this done. Inshallah it will all come to pass.”