The 2nd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Data Science took place on February 12–13, 2026, in Dubai. It was far more than a conventional academic or professional gathering.
My sincere gratitude goes to Aver Conferences for the highly professional production of this event. The organization was meticulous and thoughtful at every level, and I would especially like to thank Divya for her exceptional attention to even the smallest details. That level of care was clearly reflected in the overall experience.
The Genuine Curiosity
These were two days exceptionally well used, driven by genuine curiosity, thoughtful questions, and deep engagement from the audience. Beyond the academic and professional value, the event also created meaningful personal connections. I had the privilege of forming new friendships with professionals from various cultures and countries, connections that, without this conference, would likely never have been created.
Live at the Event
Having life michael represented at the conference, delivering and discussing advanced software engineering practices, including Spec-Driven Development in the AI era. It was a great opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow professionals.
The Slides of My Talk
In my talk, I focused on how AI-driven development and specification-first workflows improve software quality, traceability, and human-AI collaboration. The following slides, which I was using during the talk, capture the core ideas, patterns, and practical techniques presented in the talk.
Moment of Recognition
Grateful to the organizers for this recognition plaque. Presenting my session about ‘Spec-Driven Development with Kiro IDE’ and engaging in the professional discussion on modern software engineering practices in the AI era was a true privilege.
My Favorite Talk
The conference had many talks that I found interesting. I believe the one that thrilled me most was “AI for Space Exploration: How to Use AI for Space Labs, Space Stations, Satellites” by Dr. Michail Lazos from Bath Spa University (Birmingham Campus, UK). The talk explored how AI addresses extreme constraints such as limited energy, communication delays, and autonomous decision-making in deep space missions. It was both visionary and technically grounded.
History in Motion
If someone had told me ten years ago that within a single decade I would find myself flying over Riyadh, on an Israeli airplane, on my way to Dubai, I would not have believed it. Back then, such a moment would have felt distant, almost unimaginable.
Yet here I am, traveling across a region that has undergone profound change (and will continue to change), meeting remarkable professionals from around the world. In Dubai, I had the privilege of connecting with brilliant minds from many countries, including some with whom Israel still does not maintain formal diplomatic relations. What made this experience especially meaningful was not only the geography but the human connection. Conversations about software architecture, AI, and the future of engineering transcended borders, politics, and history. In a matter of hours, strangers became colleagues, and colleagues became friends. A decade can transform more than technology. It can reshape perspectives, open doors once thought closed, and remind us that progress is not only technical. It is deeply human.
Genuine Curiosity
Over two intensive days, the exchange of ideas, thoughtful discussions, and the genuine curiosity of the participants created a vibrant environment of learning and intellectual growth. I leave Dubai enriched not only with new professional insights but also with meaningful connections and friendships formed across countries and cultures.
Continuous Thoughts
Many of the themes explored throughout the conference strongly resonate with the ideas I develop in my ongoing series of posts about helping professionals adapt and continue to grow their skills in the AI era, as well as in my series on AI-driven technologies reshaping work in 2026. The discussions we had about capability, responsibility, and evolution felt like a live continuation of those reflections.
Experiences like the one I had in this conference reaffirm a fundamental truth. Technological progress is ultimately driven by people, by their questions, their engagement, and their commitment to continuous evolution. The conversations continue.
