Keynote speaker across the Middle East, based in the region for 17 years
Paris Norriss is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset who lives and works in the Middle East. He moved to Dubai about 17 years ago because he bought into the city's long-term vision, and his entire working life since then, from his first ventures to Blazing Sand Studios, where he is CEO, has been built in the region. He speaks with the authority of someone who has watched the Gulf transform from the inside, and with stories from some of the toughest environments on earth.
Seventeen years in the Gulf
Paris's adventure travel series Guy in Dubai, four seasons and 26 episodes, took him across the Emirates and into its culture: freediving with the last pearl divers, racing camels with a women's team, planting mangroves in Abu Dhabi, rescuing sea turtles and diving the MV Dara shipwreck off Umm Al Quwain. His shows have aired on Dubai TV, OSN, Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia, and have been distributed in 123 countries. That work made him a familiar face in the UAE, led to brand ambassador roles with Land Rover Middle East, TAG Heuer Middle East and The Capital Club, and made him a regular keynote speaker on the regional circuit.
Speaking across the region
- United Arab Emirates. Keynotes for Nokia, Kraft Heinz MEA, IHG Ignite, Dulsco, Stanton Chase, Creative Zone and XCEL Talks, plus COP28 and Expo 2020. He is a regular host of AI Talks by Founders in Dubai and gave a keynote at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF).
- Saudi Arabia. Paris spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Tourism General Assembly plenary in Riyadh in November 2025. He has hosted shows at the Dakar Rally in Qiddiya and filmed in AlUla, and Saudi Arabia is one of the countries featured in his newer series, Guy in the Sky.
- Jordan. At TEDx Amman in October 2025, part of TED's Global Ideas Search, he delivered The Grit Code to around 4,000 people inside the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre.
- Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. From his base in the UAE, Paris travels across the GCC for conferences, leadership offsites and award nights. Each country has its own page with local detail.
Why regional organisers book him
- He knows the room. Middle East audiences are international, ambitious and often under real pressure to deliver national visions. Paris has lived that story and speaks to it naturally.
- The stories are extraordinary. Rowing 4,800km across the Pacific in 39 days with three teammates; running seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, including Dubai.
- He is a business leader. As CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, which became an affiliate member of UN Tourism in 2025, his examples connect adventure with the realities of building a company in the region.
- Easy logistics. Based in the UAE, Paris can usually travel within the GCC at short notice and without long-haul costs. Most Middle East bookings are confirmed one to two months ahead.
"I've had the privilege of witnessing Paris Norriss in action as a storyteller, motivator and a true catalyst for transformation."
Formats
- The Grit Code keynote (45–60 minutes) for conferences, leadership conventions and kick-offs.
- Grit Deconstruction workshop for leadership teams.
- Host and MC for forums, panels, launches and award nights.
- Virtual keynote (30–45 minutes) for teams across several countries.
FAQ
Where is Paris Norriss based?
In the UAE. He moved to Dubai about 17 years ago, and Blazing Sand Studios, where he is CEO, is headquartered in Abu Dhabi.
Which Middle East countries has he spoken in?
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, where he spoke at the UN Tourism General Assembly opening ceremony in Riyadh, and Jordan, at TEDx Amman. He also travels across the GCC.
How far ahead should we book for an event in the Gulf?
One to two months is typical for the Middle East, though shorter notice is sometimes possible.
Does he speak at government and tourism events?
Yes. He has spoken at the UN Tourism General Assembly, COP28, Expo 2020 and the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF).
Can he host a regional conference as well as speak?
Yes. Paris is an experienced host and MC and a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
Bring grit to your next event
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More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · Contact