Keynote Speaker in Sharjah: Paris Norriss
Paris Norriss is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset, an adventure TV presenter and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. In November 2025 he gave a keynote at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF) on how digital nomads are changing the tourism industry. He has lived and worked in the UAE for 17 years.
Speaking at SITTF
My clearest link to Sharjah is the stage at SITTF. The forum asked me to talk about one of the biggest shifts I have seen in travel: the rise of the digital nomad, people who work from anywhere and choose places to live rather than places to visit.
I came to that subject the hard way. After rowing 4,800 km across the Pacific Ocean in 2023, I lived in Hawaii for three months among many other digital nomads. Seeing how they lived, and the technologies and services that made it possible, convinced me that experiencing the world is more accessible now than it has ever been. For a tourism audience, that is both an opportunity and a warning: the travellers are changing, and the destinations that adapt fastest will win.
A city of culture and learning
Sharjah has a strong claim to be the UAE's cultural capital. It was named UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019, and University City Sharjah brings several of the emirate's universities and colleges together in one place. Audiences here tend to be curious, thoughtful and wary of hype, which suits a keynote built on real stories rather than slogans.
My own career has been about uncovering culture. For 17 years I have made TV shows that explore the culture of the Middle East, starting with Guy in Dubai, which I presented over four seasons and 26 episodes for Dubai Television and which 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 are distributed in 123 countries.
The Grit Code for Sharjah audiences
Grit is the mix of passion and perseverance that keeps people working towards a long-term goal. It is not a fixed trait. It can be broken down, practised and taught, and The Grit Code is my framework for doing that.
The evidence comes from places where giving up would have been easier. I ran 7 marathons on 7 continents (Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami) in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes. With three teammates I rowed the Pacific, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation. For a student audience at University City or a tourism board planning for the next decade, those stories give people a concrete picture of what staying the course looks like.
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 I give in Sharjah
Digital nomads and the future of travel. The SITTF keynote, for tourism, hospitality and destination audiences: how flexible living is changing who travels, why and for how long.
The Grit Code. The flagship keynote on perseverance, with tools teams can use the next working day.
The Grit Generation. A programme for schools and universities that helps young people meet difficulty as something they have trained for. I have delivered it at schools including Horizon International School.
The age of AI needs more grit. A variation of The Grit Code for organisations adopting new technology, and for students wondering what skills will still matter.
Who I speak to in Sharjah
- Tourism and travel. Tourism boards, travel businesses and forum audiences, including SITTF.
- Universities and colleges. Students and staff across University City.
- Industry and logistics. Resilience sessions for manufacturing and free-zone companies.
- Government entities. Teams delivering long-term plans for the emirate.
- Culture and heritage. Organisations whose work, like mine, is about telling the region's stories.
UAE clients
My UAE speaking clients include SITTF, Nokia, Kraft Heinz, Dubai Airports, Dulsco, Al Kabeer Foods, Expo 2020, COP28 and IHG. I have also worked with DHL and the UN Tourism General Assembly, and hosted the UN Tourism meeting in Riyadh.
Where Sharjah meets
Expo Centre Sharjah on Al Taawun Road runs a year-round programme of exhibitions and is home to the Sharjah International Book Fair. University City's halls and the emirate's hotels host conferences, graduations and corporate events.
Formats
- Keynote, 45 to 60 minutes, for forums, conferences and leadership events.
- Grit Deconstruction workshop, 90 minutes to half a day, for teams who want to put the ideas to work.
- Host, MC or panel moderator, drawing on years of presenting television. I am a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
- Virtual keynote, 30 to 45 minutes, live in your time zone.
How booking works
Send your date, audience and theme through the enquiry form or WhatsApp. We hold a briefing call, I tailor the talk to your organisation, and on the day I arrive early to check the AV and work with your team. Organisers in the Middle East usually book one to two months ahead. As I am UAE-based, shorter notice is sometimes possible.
FAQ
Has Paris Norriss spoken in Sharjah?
Yes. In November 2025 he gave a keynote at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF) on digital nomads and the future of travel.
What did Paris talk about at SITTF?
How digital nomad travellers are changing the tourism industry, drawing on the three months he lived in Hawaii among digital nomads after rowing the Pacific.
Can Paris give the digital nomads talk at our event?
Yes. It suits tourism, hospitality and destination audiences, and can be tailored to your market.
Does Paris speak at universities in Sharjah?
Yes. The Grit Generation programme and The Grit Code keynote are available for students and staff.
What is The Grit Code?
Paris's signature keynote: a practical method for building perseverance, drawn from rowing the Pacific and running 7 marathons on 7 continents.
Who else has booked Paris in the UAE?
Nokia, Kraft Heinz, Dubai Airports, Dulsco, Al Kabeer Foods, Expo 2020, COP28 and IHG, as well as SITTF.
Can Paris moderate a panel?
Yes. As a TV presenter he hosts and moderates panels, and he is a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
How far ahead should we book?
Organisers in the Middle East usually book one to two months ahead. Shorter notice is sometimes possible.
Is a virtual keynote available?
Yes. A 30 to 45 minute virtual keynote is delivered live in your time zone.
Bring grit to your next Sharjah 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