In one of the workshop room at STEP Dubai 2026, the mood shifted from policy frameworks and capital flows to laughter, spontaneity, and theatrical risk-taking. The session, “Yes, and the Algorithm: The Art of Being Human in an AI World,” was not a typical tech panel. It was a hands-on improv comedy workshop — and a timely reminder that as artificial intelligence becomes more structured and predictive, human creativity thrives on uncertainty.
Led by Mina Liccione and Ali Al Sayed, co-founders of Dubomedy x Comedy Inc, the session invited participants to step away from screens and into the unpredictable space of improvisation. The premise was simple but powerful: while algorithms optimize for patterns, humans innovate through surprise.
The workshop revolved around the foundational improv principle of “yes, and” — accepting what is given and building upon it. In an age where AI models generate responses based on probabilities and training data, Liccione and Al Sayed argued that the distinctly human edge lies in emotional intelligence, collaborative storytelling, and the ability to pivot in real time.
Participants were handed random props — from everyday office objects to abstract items — and challenged to transform them into humorous startup pitches on the spot. The absurdity was intentional. The exercise forced participants to silence their inner critic, embrace ambiguity, and co-create narratives under pressure.
The room filled with laughter, but beneath the humor was a sharp insight: innovation often begins with play. In boardrooms and product labs increasingly guided by data dashboards and algorithmic recommendations, the human capacity to imagine wildly, fail publicly, and connect authentically remains irreplaceable.
Liccione emphasized that improv is not about being funny — it is about listening. In a world of AI assistants and automated workflows, deep listening becomes a competitive advantage. “Yes, and” fosters collaboration rather than correction, momentum rather than hesitation. It is a mindset that can transform team dynamics as much as stage performances.
By the end of the session, participants were no longer strangers and fascinated by the power of the AI revolution. They became comfortable with each other and through active contributions as human based improvs, with playful pitches and unscripted exchanges, they rediscovered that creativity is not solely about precision — it is about presence.
As STEP Dubai 2026 continued to explore data, policy, and investment on its main stages, the Workshop Room offered a different kind of insight: the future will belong not only to those who build smarter machines, but to those who remain deeply, courageously human alongside them.
