Keynote Speaker in the UAE: Paris Norriss
Paris Norriss is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset, an adventure TV presenter and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. He has lived and worked in the UAE for 17 years, speaking for organisations such as Nokia, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020 and COP28, and presenting the Dubai Television series Guy in Dubai.
Seventeen years in the Emirates
I came to the UAE 17 years ago, and the country has been home ever since. My production business, my television career and my speaking work have all been built here. Blazing Sand Studios is registered in Abu Dhabi, with its main office in Business Bay, Dubai, and a second office at twofour54 in Abu Dhabi.
That history changes what I can offer an event. I do not need a briefing pack to understand a UAE audience, because I have spent my working life alongside them: the mix of dozens of nationalities in a single room, the pace of a country that builds in years what others build in decades, and the respect for culture that every good event here shows.
Across all seven emirates
Television has taken me into every corner of the country. Guy in Dubai, four seasons and 26 episodes for Dubai Television with more than 22 million views, started in the city and then went looking for adventure everywhere else.
- Dubai is home, and where I have given more talks than anywhere else. Keynote speaker in Dubai →
- Abu Dhabi is where my company is registered and where we keep an office at twofour54. I have spoken at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and I filmed mangrove planting, a Yas Island adrenaline challenge and powerboat racing there. Keynote speaker in Abu Dhabi →
- Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority sponsored an episode of my TV show, and I hosted and spoke at the opening of the Citymax hotel there. I rode the Jebel Jais zipline and hiked the Hajar Mountains for the show. Keynote speaker in Ras Al Khaimah →
- Sharjah invited me to keynote the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF) on digital nomads. Keynote speaker in Sharjah →
- The rest of the country, including Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Al Ain, I cover from this page. Tell me about your event wherever it is.
A familiar face on UAE screens
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. Guy in Dubai also led to brand ambassador roles with Land Rover Middle East, TAG Heuer Middle East, The Capital Club, Paramount Hotel and Rove Hotel. My recent work includes 39 Days to Paradise, released in 2026, and Guy in the Sky, now in production.
I am also an ambassador for the charity Gulf for Good. In November 2025 I held a charity gala dinner at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, in Dubai, auctioning art inspired by the 7 marathons.
The proof behind The Grit Code
7 marathons, 7 continents. Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
The Pacific row. 4,800 km in 2023 with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
The Grit Code turns those experiences into a practical method. Grit, the mix of passion and perseverance behind long-term achievement, is not something people are born with. It can be trained, and the keynote shows how.
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."
"Paris took us through his incredible journey of not only his risky extreme adventures, but also how those helped him form who he is today, how he built his successful businesses and indeed the true power of grit & resilience. Highly recommend getting Paris along to inspire & uplift any team!"
Watch the showreel
Keynotes and programmes
The Grit Code. The flagship keynote for conferences, leadership conventions and sales kick-offs.
Grit and change management. For organisations in transformation, delivered for Nokia.
The age of AI needs more grit. A variation for technology and founder audiences.
7 marathons, 7 continents. A story-led keynote on planning and endurance, delivered at IHG Ignite.
Digital nomads and the future of travel. The tourism keynote first given at SITTF in Sharjah.
The Grit Generation. A schools programme, delivered at schools including Horizon International School.
UAE clients
Clients include Nokia, Kraft Heinz, Dubai Airports, Dulsco, Al Kabeer Foods, Expo 2020, COP28, SITTF and IHG, along with founder communities such as Creative Zone, OPUS, Founders Dubai and Upside. Beyond the UAE I have worked with DHL and the UN Tourism General Assembly, and hosted the UN Tourism meeting in Riyadh.
Recent UAE events
- Horizon International School: rowing the Pacific, September 2026
- Creative Zone: grit for 150 entrepreneurs, May 2026
- Beneple Kick-Off Day, January 2026
- Kraft Heinz MEA Leadership Convention, November 2025
- IHG Ignite, November 2025
- Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum, November 2025
- Nokia: grit and change management, October 2025
- OPUS: why grit beats the big idea, September 2025
- Beyond Boundaries leadership event, June 2025
- COP28 at Expo City Dubai, December 2023
- Expo 2020 Dubai, 2021
Industries
- Technology and telecoms (Nokia)
- Food and consumer goods (Kraft Heinz, Al Kabeer Foods)
- Hospitality and tourism (IHG, SITTF)
- Aviation and logistics (Dubai Airports)
- Environmental services and sustainability (Dulsco, COP28)
- Global events (Expo 2020)
- Start-ups and founders (Creative Zone, OPUS, Upside)
- Education (The Grit Generation)
Formats
- The Grit Code keynote, 45 to 60 minutes.
- Grit Deconstruction workshop, 90 minutes to half a day.
- Event host and MC. I am a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
- Virtual keynote, 30 to 45 minutes, live in your time zone.
Booking a UAE-based speaker
Send the date, emirate, venue and audience through the enquiry form or WhatsApp. We hold a briefing call on your theme, I tailor the stories to your organisation, and I am happy to meet your leadership team before the day. Organisers in the Middle East usually book speakers one to two months ahead. Shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is always worth asking.
University of Wollongong in Dubai
Paris has given talks at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, as well as at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Dubai and UAE organisers booking a campus or mixed corporate-and-student room can ask him to draw on that experience.
He is based in Dubai, is CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, and speaks across the UAE in person or virtually.
FAQ
Is Paris Norriss based in the UAE?
Yes. He has lived and worked in the UAE for 17 years. His company, Blazing Sand Studios, is registered in Abu Dhabi and has offices in Business Bay, Dubai, and at twofour54, Abu Dhabi.
Which emirates does Paris speak in?
All of them. He speaks most often in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and has spoken in Abu Dhabi at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, in Ras Al Khaimah at the opening of the Citymax hotel, and in Sharjah at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF).
Which UAE organisations has Paris worked with?
Nokia, Kraft Heinz, Dubai Airports, Dulsco, Al Kabeer Foods, Expo 2020, COP28, SITTF and IHG, plus founder communities including Creative Zone and OPUS.
What is Guy in Dubai?
A TV series presented by Paris for Dubai Television over four seasons and 26 episodes, exploring the city and adventures across the UAE. It has more than 22 million views.
Where have Paris's shows been broadcast?
On Dubai TV and OSN, and inflight on Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia. His shows are distributed in 123 countries.
Which brands has Paris been an ambassador for?
Land Rover Middle East, TAG Heuer Middle East, The Capital Club, Paramount Hotel and Rove Hotel. He is also an ambassador for the charity Gulf for Good.
Has Paris spoken at Expo and COP28?
Yes. He spoke at Expo 2020 Dubai in 2021 and at COP28 at Expo City Dubai in December 2023.
Can Paris host our event?
Yes. He hosts conferences, panels and fireside chats, and is a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
How far ahead should we book?
One to two months is typical in the Middle East. Shorter notice is sometimes possible.
Is there a schools programme?
Yes. The Grit Generation brings The Grit Code to students, including at Horizon International School.
Has Paris spoken at universities in Dubai?
Yes. He has spoken at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, and also at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
Bring grit to your next UAE event
Tell us the date, the city, the audience and what you want them to walk out with. You will get a straight answer on availability and fit. Prefer to talk first? Book a call.
More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · Contact