Dean Riley
General Manager - Absolute Adventure Education
Dean Riley is an education leader with a passion for using the outdoors as a powerful classroom. Currently serving as General Manager of Absolute Adventure Education, Dean's team connects people of all ages with the UAE’s unique mountains, deserts, and coastline, creating programmes that span from sustainability and cultural learning to personal growth, leadership, and self-confidence.
Before joining Absolute Adventure, Dean spent six years at Expo City Dubai, where he led education and cultural programmes across Expo 2020 Dubai and Expo City Dubai. He developed landmark initiatives with the Expo School Programme, Next Gen World Majlis, and Hundred Hives, engaging over 1.5 million students in cutting-edge sustainability and innovation experiences.
With a background as a Physics teacher in the UK and UAE, and academic credentials including a BSc in Physics with Space Science & Technology, a PGCE in Secondary Physics, and an MBA in Educational Leadership, Dean blends classroom expertise with strategic leadership. His career has consistently focused on making science, sustainability, and exploration engaging, accessible, and impactful.
Beyond his professional roles, Dean is an avid adventurer — from skiing and powerboating to stargazing and leading biodiversity expeditions. Whether designing outdoor programmes, speaking at global education forums, or building hands-on science experiences, his mission is to inspire curiosity and resilience.
