Keynote Speaker in Ras Al Khaimah: Paris Norriss
Paris Norriss is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset, an adventure TV presenter and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. He spoke at the opening of the Citymax hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority sponsored an episode of his TV show, and the emirate's mountains have featured in his series Guy in Dubai, from the Jebel Jais zipline to the trails of the Hajar Mountains. He has lived and worked in the UAE for 17 years.
My Ras Al Khaimah story
Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE's mountain emirate, home to Jebel Jais, the country's highest peak. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority sponsored an episode of my TV show, which took me deep into its mountains and along its coastline, and into the wider adventure country of the northern emirates. I have also been on stage here: I hosted and spoke at the opening of the Citymax hotel in Ras Al Khaimah.
For Guy in Dubai, I rode the Jebel Jais zipline, which Guinness World Records certified in 2018 as the longest in the world, strung across the side of the UAE's highest mountain. I also hiked the Wonderwall and Wonderland routes in the Hajar Mountains, the kind of steep, rocky ground where every step is a small decision to keep going. That is grit in its plainest form, and it is why the emirate's landscape works so well as a backdrop for a keynote about perseverance.
An adventure emirate needs adventure stories
Ras Al Khaimah has built its tourism around the outdoors: mountain adventures, beaches and resorts on Al Marjan Island and the coast. Organisations here, from resort operators to tourism bodies and industrial employers, work in a place that sells challenge as an experience. An audience in Ras Al Khaimah already understands that the hard climb is the point.
The Grit Code takes that instinct and turns it into a method. It looks at how people keep going when they are tired, uncomfortable and unsure of the outcome, and how teams can train that capacity rather than hope for it.
Beyond the mountains
My adventures have gone well beyond the Hajar. I ran seven marathons on seven continents, in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami, in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes. In 2023 I rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates and raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation. I have dived shipwrecks, been involved with the Red Bull Air Races, filmed in AlUla in Saudi Arabia and hosted shows at the Dakar Rally in Qiddiya.
Each of those stories ends up on stage, because each one is a case study in how people perform when giving up would be the easy choice.
On screen across the UAE
Guy in Dubai ran for four seasons and 26 episodes on Dubai Television and has passed 22 million views. My shows have aired on Dubai TV and OSN and inflight on Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia, and they are distributed in 123 countries. My newer work includes 39 Days to Paradise, released in 2026, and Guy in the Sky, which is in production now.
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 Ras Al Khaimah
The Grit Code. The flagship keynote: how high performers keep going when motivation runs out, with tools your team can use the following morning.
Adventure and the visitor economy. A version for tourism and hospitality audiences that draws on 17 years of making adventure travel TV in the region, including an episode sponsored by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority.
7 marathons, 7 continents. A story-led keynote about planning, endurance and teamwork under extreme pressure, delivered at events such as IHG Ignite.
Grit Deconstruction workshop. For leadership teams on an offsite: a practical session that maps where the team breaks under pressure and builds a plan to fix it.
Who I speak to in Ras Al Khaimah
- Resorts and incentive groups. Keynotes and after-dinner talks for guests, retreats and incentive trips on Al Marjan Island and along the coast.
- Tourism. Adventure and destination teams, the world I know best from both sides of the camera.
- Industry. Resilience sessions for manufacturing and industrial teams working shifts and tight targets.
- Universities and schools. The Grit Generation programme brings The Grit Code to students.
UAE clients
My UAE clients include Nokia, Kraft Heinz, Dubai Airports, Dulsco, Al Kabeer Foods, Expo 2020, COP28, SITTF and IHG. I have also worked with DHL and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
Formats
- Keynote (45 to 60 minutes) for conferences, retreats and leadership events.
- Workshop (90 minutes to half a day) for teams who want to work on their own goals.
- Host or MC for award nights, panels and resort events.
- Virtual keynote (30 to 45 minutes), live in your time zone.
How booking works
Tell us your date, venue and audience by enquiry form or WhatsApp. We set up a briefing call to understand your theme and goals, and I tailor the stories to your organisation. On the day I arrive early, check the AV and work with your team so everything runs smoothly. Organisers in the Middle East usually book one to two months ahead, and because I am based in the UAE, shorter notice is sometimes possible.
FAQ
What is Paris Norriss's connection to Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority sponsored an episode of his TV show, he hosted and spoke at the opening of the Citymax hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, and he filmed Guy in Dubai episodes in the emirate, including the Jebel Jais zipline and hikes in the Hajar Mountains.
Has Paris spoken at an event in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes. He hosted and spoke at the opening of the Citymax hotel in Ras Al Khaimah.
Did Paris ride the Jebel Jais zipline?
Yes, for Guy in Dubai. Guinness World Records certified it as the world's longest zipline in 2018.
Which hikes has Paris done in Ras Al Khaimah?
He hiked the Wonderwall and Wonderland routes in the Hajar Mountains for the series.
Can Paris speak at a resort or incentive event?
Yes. He gives keynotes and after-dinner talks for retreats and incentive groups, and can host the event as well.
Is there a version of the keynote for tourism audiences?
Yes. It draws on 17 years of adventure travel TV in the region, including an episode sponsored by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority.
What are Paris's biggest challenges?
Rowing 4,800 km across the Pacific in 2023, which raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation, and running 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Does Paris speak to students?
Yes. The Grit Generation programme brings The Grit Code to schools and universities.
How far ahead should we book?
One to two months is typical in the Middle East. Shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is worth asking.
Can the talk be delivered virtually?
Yes. A 30 to 45 minute virtual keynote is available, live in your time zone.
Bring grit to your next Ras Al Khaimah event
Share your date and audience, or book a call, and we will come back to you with availability.
More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · TV shows · Contact