Keynote Speaker in Abu Dhabi: Paris Norriss
Paris Norriss is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset, a TV presenter and the CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, the production company he registered in Abu Dhabi and runs partly from twofour54. He has lived and worked in the UAE for 17 years. His TV shows have flown with Etihad Airways as inflight entertainment, and he has filmed across the emirate, from the mangroves to Yas Island.
My Abu Dhabi story
For most people, Abu Dhabi is the capital. For me it is also where my company is registered. Blazing Sand Studios is an Abu Dhabi company, and we keep an office at twofour54, the emirate's media and creative zone, alongside our main office in Business Bay.
twofour54 is home to many of the broadcasters, production companies and creative start-ups that make up the capital's media industry, and running a studio among them keeps me close to the realities of business here. I have also spoken on stage in the capital, at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
So when I speak to an Abu Dhabi audience about grit, I am talking about the same pressures I deal with in my own business: deadlines that do not move, budgets that do, and teams that need to keep going when a plan changes overnight.
Filmed in the capital
Guy in Dubai, the series I presented for Dubai Television over four seasons and 26 episodes, did not stop at the Dubai border. Some of my favourite episodes were shot in Abu Dhabi. I planted mangroves along the capital's coastline, took on an adrenaline challenge on Yas Island, and went out on the water for an episode on powerboat racing around the UAE.
Those episodes are part of why the series has passed 22 million views, and why many people in Abu Dhabi recognise me before I say a word. My shows have aired inflight on Etihad Airways, as well as on Dubai TV, OSN, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia, and are now distributed in 123 countries.
Why the capital needs grit
Abu Dhabi plans in decades. Energy companies, government entities, investment funds and research institutions here are all working towards long-term national goals, and long-term goals are exactly where grit matters most. Talent gets a project started. Grit is what keeps a team on course through the third year of a five-year programme, when the early excitement has gone and the finish line is still out of sight.
That is the problem The Grit Code is built to solve. It breaks perseverance down into habits that people can practise, then shows them working in the most extreme setting I know: the middle of an ocean, or the start line of a marathon in Antarctica.
Proof behind the talk
Seven marathons on seven continents. I ran marathons in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
The Pacific row. In 2023 I rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific Ocean with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation. For an emirate investing heavily in coastline and conservation, including the mangroves I helped plant on camera, that story tends to land.
What organisers say
"I've had the privilege of witnessing Paris Norriss in action as a storyteller, motivator and a true catalyst for transformation. Through his powerful awe-inspiring adventures, he doesn't just recount tales of endurance and grit, he lives them."
"Paris is both captivating and uplifting. We appreciated his open, honest, and heartfelt journey. His raw and genuine account of his pioneering adventure underlines his resilience and grit against any obstacle he faced. His story is highly impactful and we found it inspiring to deliver more passion, energy and a collaborative spirit."
"Recently, Paris visited our offices and delivered a keynote speech that left a profound impression on all of us. It was more than a talk—it was a moment of deep resonance. With eloquence, humility, and piercing insight, he invited us to reflect not only on leadership and business, but on what it means to truly live with purpose… One of the most powerful themes he shared was grit—not as a superficial buzzword, but as a sacred force."
"We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Paris Norriss to speak on "The Grit Code", and his message couldn't have come at a better time… His stories weren't just motivational, they were tactical, relatable, and immediately applicable. Our team walked away with renewed energy and clarity, particularly in areas such as staying focused under pressure, thinking beyond setbacks, and maintaining purpose even in the toughest moments."
"Paris captivates audiences with his fascinating insights and shares personal, real-life experiences from his incredible adventures. His ability to connect with people and inspire them through storytelling sets him apart as a keynote speaker… He has a unique talent for making profound lessons accessible and relatable, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to hear him speak."
Watch the showreel
Talks for Abu Dhabi audiences
The Grit Code. My flagship keynote: a practical method for staying the course on long, hard goals, built from the ocean, the ice and a decade and a half of making television.
Grit and change management. For teams going through restructuring, transformation or a new strategy. I have delivered this version for Nokia, and it fits organisations working on long national programmes.
The age of AI needs more grit. A variation for organisations adopting new technology. As machines take on more tasks, the human edge is the ability to keep going when the plan breaks.
Sustainability and the sea. A story-led session drawing on the Pacific row and marine conservation fundraising, for environment, energy-transition and sustainability audiences.
Who I speak to in Abu Dhabi
- Energy and industry. Leadership and operations teams who work on long project cycles and under constant safety and performance pressure.
- Government entities. Teams delivering long-term strategies, where persistence matters more than a burst of motivation.
- Media and creative businesses. My neighbours at twofour54: studios, broadcasters and start-ups who live deadline to deadline.
- Sustainability. Conservation and climate audiences. I spoke at COP28 at Expo City Dubai in December 2023.
- Tourism and hospitality. Hotel, leisure and visitor-economy teams, the sector I have covered on screen for 17 years.
UAE clients
My UAE speaking clients include Nokia, Kraft Heinz, Dubai Airports, Dulsco, Al Kabeer Foods, Expo 2020, COP28, SITTF and IHG. Further afield I have worked with DHL and the UN Tourism General Assembly, and hosted the UN Tourism meeting in Riyadh.
Where Abu Dhabi meets
ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi is the capital's main exhibition and conference centre, and Yas Island, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has grown into one of the region's busiest event destinations. Saadiyat and the city's hotels host the leadership dinners, offsites and award nights that fill the rest of the calendar. I speak at venues of every size, from a boardroom at twofour54 to a main stage at ADNEC.
Formats
- Keynote, 45 to 60 minutes. The Grit Code for conferences, conventions and leadership events.
- Grit Deconstruction workshop, 90 minutes to half a day. Teams map where they break under pressure and build a plan to fix it.
- Host or MC. Years of presenting television mean I am comfortable holding a stage, running panels and hosting fireside chats. I am a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
- Virtual keynote, 30 to 45 minutes. Live, in your time zone, for teams spread across the emirates or the world.
Booking Paris in Abu Dhabi
- Send the brief. Your date, venue, audience size and the outcome you want, by enquiry form or WhatsApp.
- Briefing call. We talk through your theme and the people in the room.
- A talk built for your organisation. I tailor the stories and takeaways to your sector and goals.
- On the day. I arrive early, check the AV and work with your team so the session runs to plan.
Organisers in the Middle East usually book speakers one to two months ahead. Because I am UAE-based, shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is always worth asking.
FAQ
Does Paris Norriss have a base in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. His production company, Blazing Sand Studios, is registered in Abu Dhabi and has an office at twofour54, as well as its main office in Business Bay, Dubai. Paris has lived and worked in the UAE for 17 years.
Has Paris filmed in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Guy in Dubai episodes shot in the emirate include mangrove planting on the coast, an adrenaline challenge on Yas Island and an episode on powerboat racing.
Has Paris spoken in Abu Dhabi before?
Yes. He has spoken at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
Have Paris's shows been on Etihad?
Yes. His TV shows have aired inflight on Etihad Airways, as well as on Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia, and on Dubai TV and OSN.
What is the keynote about?
The Grit Code: a practical method for building perseverance, drawn from rowing the Pacific and running 7 marathons on 7 continents in under six days.
Is the keynote suitable for government and energy audiences?
Yes. The grit and change management version is built for teams working on long programmes and transformation, and has been delivered for Nokia.
Has Paris spoken about sustainability?
Yes. He spoke at COP28 at Expo City Dubai in December 2023, and his 2023 Pacific row raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
Can Paris host our Abu Dhabi event?
Yes. As a TV presenter he hosts conferences, panels and fireside chats, and he is a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
Which venues does Paris speak at in Abu Dhabi?
Any size, from boardrooms and offices at twofour54 to main stages at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and hotels on Yas and Saadiyat. He has spoken at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
How far ahead should we book?
Organisers in the Middle East typically book one to two months ahead. Shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is worth asking.
Can the keynote be delivered virtually?
Yes. A 30 to 45 minute virtual keynote is available, delivered live in your time zone.
Bring grit to your next Abu Dhabi event
Share your date and audience, or book a call, and we will come back to you with availability.
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