Harry Amos Keynote Speaker

Middle East Tech Growth and Market-Entry Expert
Pacific row: 4,800 km California–Hawai‘i completed in 39 days (2023)
Royal Marine Commando & Army Captain, Afghanistan combat tours

Harry Amos's Biography

Harry Amos is a Middle-East tech growth and market-entry strategist, endurance athlete and British Army veteran who turns extreme adventure into practical leadership frameworks.

During 11 years in uniform he served first as a Royal Marine Commando, then commissioned at Sandhurst to command reconnaissance troops on Operation Panther’s Claw (2009) and again with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (2012).

Since 2016 he has led Kestrel Global in Dubai, guiding more than 100 high-growth technology firms—including Tesla, What3Words and Joby Aviation—through complex Gulf expansion and regulatory landscapes.

Harry’s appetite for challenge is equally bold off duty. He has flown paragliders and paramotors across the Himalayas, Alps and the Empty Quarter; summited Stok Kangri (6,125 m), Mount Kenya (5,199 m) and Mont Blanc (4,806 m); sailed the Baltic, kayaked 125 miles of British waterways and dived 26 metres from Mostar Bridge in Bosnia.

In 2023 he and three teammates rowed 4,800 km from California to Hawai‘i in 39 days, raising six-figure sums for the Blue Marine Foundation and Invictus Games Foundation. Two years later he entered the Guinness Book of Records after running 630 km through all seven Emirates in 5 days 21 hours 30 minutes—averaging over 105 km a day.

From warzones to start-ups to remote oceans, Harry distils the mindset of “relentless short-term goals”, showing audiences how to build resilient teams, communicate with precision and turn adversity into opportunity.

Adventure to Venture. Personal development outside of work to be more effective inside it:.

How to thrive in the 4th Industrial Revolution. Business is powered by AI, so where do the humans fit?
Confidence, clarity, and leading by example. Why is it important to be fit, take risks, and have a mission?
Building unstoppable teams. What can ocean rowing, combat, and tech Unicorns teach us?

Doing Business in the Middle East. Understanding the cultural nuances and business practices unique to the region:

The smartest and happiest city in the world. How is Dubai building the city of the future?
Where future tech and innovation meets tradition. What are the cultural and practical nuances of working in the region?
Market entry insights. How do you launch a tech business in the Middle East?

Stories of adventure. What can we learn from endeavour:

Comfort is where health and happiness go to die. Why is it important to do hard things?
A mission a year is better than a vision over a lifetime. Is the pursuit of short-term goals better?
Journey of 1,000 miles starts with one step. How to make the impossible possible?

He helps organisations build resilient leaders and high-performing teams by translating lessons from military operations, extreme endurance challenges and international business into practical leadership strategies.
He combines frontline military experience with years of advising high-growth technology companies, offering unique insights into leadership, resilience, market expansion and decision-making in complex environments.
He has guided more than 100 technology businesses through growth across the Middle East, helping organisations navigate uncertainty, cultural complexity and rapid change with confidence.
He believes exceptional performance is built through disciplined execution, clear communication and relentless focus on short-term goals, enabling teams to overcome adversity and achieve ambitious outcomes.
He believes exceptional performance is built through disciplined execution, clear communication and relentless focus on short-term goals, enabling teams to overcome adversity and achieve ambitious outcomes.

Videos of Harry Amos

7 Emirates In 6 Days; Dubai athlete Harry Amos Gets Guinness World Record!

7 Emirates Run (630km) (Dubai Eye 103.8 FM

An Athlete's Story: Harry Amos | M42

Harry Amos: The United Arab Emirates futuristic green economy and COOP28's legacy

Articles, Media & Podcasts

British runner sets new record in seven-emirates challenge

The National

Dubai: Meet resident who ran 630km in under 6 days, raised Dh16,000 for diabetes patients

Khaleej Times

Relentless: A World Record Crossing of the United Arab Emirates – 630km in under 6 days

The Marlburian Club

Harry Amos, Pacific Ocean Rower

Spotify

Comments & Testimonials

Harry is an outstanding speaker who enthralls with his background as a battle-hardened British Army officer and his tales of adventure on the high seas. Drawing on his military experience, which includes leading troops in Afghanistan, Harry provides invaluable insights into building and leading cohesive teams in tough situations. He easily bridges into how to be better at business, drawing on his decade of commercial experience in the cultural melting pot of United Arab Emirates. His confident and charismatic presentation keeps audiences engaged, and his high-energy and audio-visual approach sparks dynamic discussions, leaving audiences to fight over who asks questions first.’

James Maughan Chairman Oxbridge Society UAE

‘After the Brother ‘N Oars team monumental Pacific row last summer, it was wonderful to hear the stories firsthand from Harry Amos. A gruelling challenge, his enthusiasm and insights, sharing the stories of both his own personal experiences, and that of the team, was truly inspiring!’

Dean Kemble Chief Operating Officer at GSB Capital

‘We’ve hosted Harry twice at XcelTalks, and each time he’s delivered an unforgettable session. From rowing 2,800 miles across the Pacific to running 630km across all seven Emirates in under six days, Harry shares his stories and their lessons with humility and impact. He speaks about the importance of doing hard things, taking risks, and breaking seemingly impossible goals into achievable steps. He offers practical insights into leading small teams and finding personal purpose, whether to inspire others, stay fit, build resilience, or stand out in life and business. Drawing on his military, corporate, and adventure experience, Harry delivers powerful lessons on overcoming fear, planning with intent, and working effectively within a team. His talks leave audiences energised and ready to take on their own challenges. Harry is an outstanding speaker, and we’d welcome him back anytime.’

Sam Morris CEO XCEL Talks

‘I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible journey of Harry Amos, a parent from DESS, whose determination and adventurous spirit led him to run the entire length of the UAE. I was fortunate to join him for a short section of his run but what stood out even more was having Harry visit our school, where he inspired our children with his story. He spoke not just about the physical challenge, but about pushing limits, staying resilient, and embracing the unknown. We were truly grateful to have him share his journey and show the children why it’s great to get out there and go on an adventure.’

Anthony Clarkson Dubai English Speaking School (DESS), Headmaster