It’s not every conference where you walk away with WhatsApp numbers instead of business cards—but the 2025 IACA (International Association of Court Administrators) Conference in Dubai was different in all the best ways.
Held at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai UAE, this truly international gathering brought together representatives and courts from over 50 countries, speaking almost as many languages, yet the event maintained a warm, intimate atmosphere with just under 500 high-profile delegates. From Chief Justices, Judges, Lawyers to CIOs to innovators like ourselves, it felt less like a conference and more like a global roundtable.And what a week it was.
We kicked off on Sunday evening with booth setup at the Conrad Dubai. By the time the sun set, the energy was already building. The President’s Reception gave us an early taste of the days ahead—vibrant conversations, meaningful exchanges, and a shared sense that something special was about to unfold.
When the conference officially opened on Monday, the tone was immediately refreshing. Unlike many trade shows where conversations can feel rushed, the dialogue here was thoughtful and substantial.
Our team—myself, our CEO Alfeo Pareschi, and Bilal from our Middle Eastern team—found ourselves speaking with court leaders from countries we had never expected to encounter. One memorable discussion was with the Kiribati Judiciary, whose unique island structure presents fascinating challenges and opportunities for digital transformation.
For us as a technology partner to courts around the world, the momentum behind hybrid and remote hearings didn’t come as a surprise—but witnessing it discussed so openly and confidently at IACA made it feel more real than ever. Court leaders shared how they’re already conducting thousands of remote and hybrid proceedings each year, treating virtual access not as an add-on but as an essential part of modern justice. What excited us most was hearing judges and administrators talk not about whether these models work, but how to expand, refine, and future-proof them. Justice without walls is already here, and while we’ve helped build this movement, seeing its global adoption firsthand was both validating and deeply inspiring.
Monday night took the entire experience to another level.
We joined the IACA cultural event: a desert safari in the Arabian sands. Bilal and I shared a Land Rover with none other than the Chief Justice of South Australia and the Chief Administrator of the Malawi Courts. There’s something surreal about dune-bashing with some of the world’s most senior judicial leaders—an experience equal parts exhilarating and unforgettable.
The evening ended with a traditional BBQ under the stars, complete with local music and dance. It was one of those moments where professional roles fade and human connection takes over.
Tuesday brought another full day of conversations at our booth—each one more fascinating than the last. We also had the privilege of joining the official visit to Dubai Courts, a journey that offered insight into one of the world’s most advanced judicial systems.
Meeting judges and administrators from around the globe during the excursion sparked new ideas, collaborations, and friendships.
By Wednesday, the final day, our booth was buzzing.
Here’s just a small sample of the many courts we spoke with:
Malawi
Fiji
Nigeria
Kiribati
South Australia
Kazakhstan
UAE Ministry of Justice
Mongolia
Oman
Philippines
Kenya
Argentina
Brazil
Ethiopia
India
Moldova
What stood out the most was how many of these representatives didn’t feel like new contacts—they felt like future partners and, increasingly, friends. At Cives, that sense of connection matters deeply to us.
The week concluded with an elegant Gala Dinner in the stunning Avery Room at the Conrad Dubai. It was the perfect ending to a remarkable conference—celebratory, global, and full of inspiration.
IACA Dubai wasn’t just another event on the calendar. It was a unique blend of cultural immersion, professional collaboration, and human connection. We expect the conference to continue growing in the years ahead—but we hope it never loses the intimacy that makes it so meaningful.
For us, this week in Dubai reaffirmed something important:
Global justice innovation moves forward not just through technology, but through relationships.
And at IACA, we built many that we hope will last for years.