Hollywood icon Robert De Niro arrives this weekend

Robert De Niro is expected to arrive in Dubai next week... and this time he means business. The veteran actor and producer (and venture capitalist) is one of many Hollywood A-listers to become involved in the Caribbean tourism industry in recent years, and has placed a significant quarter of a billion USD stake in an Antigua and Barbuda project. De Niro will speak at the Destination Antigua and Barbuda conference as Special Economic Envoy. The two-time Academy Award winner has been vocal in his support for the twin-island nation and will arrive as part of a travel delegation visiting the UAE this week. 

The delegation aims to raise the profile of Antigua and Barbuda by highlighting investment opportunities specifically available to the MENA region.  Speaking at the conference, the delegation - which also features the country's Honorable Gaston Browne, and other government members - plans to attract investors from the Middle East and showcase its potential to the UAE. The invitation-only conference will take place on the 9th of October at Dubai’s prestigious Palazzo Versace Hotel.

Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency E. Casroy James, commented on the event, saying:“It’s a great honour to host such a distinguished dignitary as part of the delegation for this historic summit. Mr De Niro is known for his deep affinity for the twin-island nation and a special connection shared with this country and its people. From its location to its laws, Antigua and Barbuda is perfectly aligned for robust, lucrative, investments.”

“The twin island will open a new world to individuals seeking luxury, beauty, opportunities and unique experiences in an exceptional place. Investors can relax knowing that they have the support of the government, and there are incentives and concession schemes to get businesses started and security to keep their investments safe. With Mr De Niro having been a frequent 

visitor over the past 25 years, as well as launching and co-founding several other successful ventures, I have every faith in his positive assessment,” he added.

Antigua and Barbuda have long boasted political and economic stability, and the islands currently witness a significant boost in investment and travel. Famed as the land of 365 beaches, the Caribbean paradise is a well-managed business hub, and benefits from a low-tax structure which offers investments free from personal income-, capital gains-, inheritance- and wealth tax. The government also provides strong economic incentives for foreign investors and has positioned the country for further growth by targeting emerging markets and diversifying its economy.

Located in the West Indies on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda are the largest English speaking isles of the Leeward Islands, and this tranquil island nation is shaping to be the next investment hub for Middle East investors.