Grit keynotes for Al-Ahsa and Hofuf
Al-Ahsa is one of the largest oases in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paris brings The Grit Code to events in Hofuf and across the governorate.
An oasis of 2.5 million palms
The Al-Ahsa Oasis became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. More than 2.5 million palm trees are watered by over 280 artesian springs.
Ghawar, the largest conventional oil field in the world, lies in Al-Ahsa Governorate. King Faisal University is based in Hofuf.
Paris has hosted shows at the Dakar Rally in Qiddiya, hosted the UN Tourism meeting in Riyadh and filmed TV shows in AlUla. Paris has spent 17 years in the Gulf making TV shows that uncover the culture of the Middle East.
Who Paris speaks to in Al-Ahsa
King Faisal University
Talks for students and staff.
Oil and gas
Resilience for field teams.
Dates and agriculture
Keynotes for growers and food producers.
Heritage tourism
Sessions for tourism teams.
Rooms and stages
The InterContinental’s convention hall and the university host Al-Ahsa’s largest conferences.
- InterContinental Al Ahsa – home to the Qaser Al Moua’tamarat convention hall
- King Faisal University Festivals Hall – an auditorium in Hofuf
Pick the format
Choose the flagship Grit Code keynote (45–60 min), a Grit Deconstruction workshop (90 min to half day), a 30–45 min virtual keynote, or Paris as host and MC for the day. Compare formats →
Why audiences believe him
5 days, 21 hours, 51 minutes
The time it took Paris to run 7 marathons on 7 continents: Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami.
More than £150,000 raised
For marine conservation, by rowing 4,800 km across the Pacific in 2023.
See the keynote overview, or Paris’s page for Riyadh, where he hosted the UN Tourism meeting. The Grit Code keynote · Keynote speaker Riyadh
On stage or on screen
Available for in-person events in Al-Ahsa, or virtually in your local time zone.
Organisers in the Middle East typically book speakers one to two months ahead, so an early enquiry gives the best chance of your preferred date.
The keynote is delivered in English, and Arabic interpretation or translated slides are available on request through the organiser.
See also keynote speaker in Saudi Arabia, or browse all keynote speaker locations.
Al-Ahsa’s economy and who the talk is for
Al-Ahsa has a population of about 1,041,863 (2017 figure, Wikidata), which makes it a substantial market for conferences, leadership events and company gatherings.
How a Grit Code session works
- Paris starts with a short briefing call to understand the room, the sector and the challenge in front of it.
- The keynote uses film from his expeditions and TV work to make each idea concrete.
- Many organisers pair it with a Grit Deconstruction workshop or ask Paris to host the full day.
The content is shaped around Al-Ahsa organisations and their goals, so the room hears examples that match its own challenges. Paris presents as an adventurer and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, not as a theorist.
Where the talk fits in Al-Ahsa
These are typical Al-Ahsa events for The Grit Code:
- Annual company conferences and town halls.
- Change and transformation programmes, including AI adoption.
- Safety, wellbeing and performance days for operations teams.
- Charity dinners and community events, which Paris knows well as an ambassador for Gulf for Good.
Credentials at a glance
- In 2023 he rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
- His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views.
- He is the CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, an AI video production company.
- He ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Formats, timing and next steps
Most organisers book a 45–60 minute Grit Code keynote with Q&A. Teams that want to go further add the Grit Deconstruction workshop, which runs from 90 minutes to half a day and turns the talk into habits and commitments the group can use on Monday morning.
A 30–45 minute virtual version is available for remote or hybrid audiences. Paris can also host the full day as MC, which keeps the tone consistent from the opening to the close. He is CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, so the briefing call covers both the audience’s goals and the practical run-of-show.
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly. His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views. The talk draws on the 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, and on the 2023 Pacific row of 4,800 km that raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
To book, share the date, venue or virtual platform, audience size and the outcome you want. Paris replies with a short outline tailored to your room, then joins a briefing call before the event.
FAQ
Can I book Paris Norriss as a keynote speaker in Al-Ahsa?
Yes. He is available for Al-Ahsa conferences, offsites and leadership events, on site or online.
Does Paris speak at events in Hofuf?
Yes. He speaks at conferences and university events across Al-Ahsa, including Hofuf.
Is there a workshop option for teams in Al-Ahsa?
Yes. The Grit Deconstruction workshop runs from 90 minutes to half a day and turns the keynote’s ideas into team habits and actions.
Can the keynote be delivered online for teams in Al-Ahsa?
Yes. A 30–45 minute virtual version is available for remote or hybrid audiences, delivered in your local time zone.
Who has Paris spoken for?
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
How far in advance should we book?
Most organisers book between four and twelve weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible if the date is free, especially for virtual sessions.
Does Paris travel for in-person events?
Yes. He speaks at conferences and company events worldwide, in person or virtually, and shapes each talk around the local audience.
What does the briefing call cover?
Audience profile, the outcome you want, industry language to use or avoid, AV needs, and whether a workshop or MC role is part of the day.
Planning an event in Al-Ahsa?
Tell us about the room and the date. You can also book a call.