The 21st century is like no other time in terms of the pace of breakthroughs in science and technology.
Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, unprecedented processing power and the connectivity of billions of people on the planet through the internet are merely the beginning of a long list of exciting areas already transforming our world.
To grasp the potential of this era and the changes to work and life already under way, it is critical to understand the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
A quick history lesson
The idea of a Fourth Industrial Revolution relies on the idea that humanity has been building upon technological progress since the First Industrial Revolution when, in 18th century England, water and steam power was used to mechanise production. This marked humanity's shift from a reliance on agriculture and handmade goods to the advent of industrial manufacturing.
The Second built upon that electric power to create mass production. The Third used electronics and information technology to automate production, beginning in the 1960s. The World Wide Web gave way to mass connectivity and communication, alongside a glut of innovative products and services.
And that’s when the next Revolution unfolded.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution explained
In 2016, Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum coined the term 'Fourth Industrial Revolution'.
He defined it as a technological revolution that merges physical, digital and biological technology to deliver unprecedented products and services in new sectors.
This technology includes artificial intelligence and automation, 3D or additive printing, human-machine interfaces, quantum computing and advanced materials.
This particular revolution has given rise to the concept of ‘smart’ cities, factories, homes and workplaces. Such places use AI as they work and develop, continuously adapting and optimising accordingly to be more efficient and responsive.
Where to find 4IR
4IR technology is not yet global. Uneven distribution of automation and digitalisation, for instance, has increased inequality.
The United Nations found that four countries – the US, China, Japan and Germany – account for more than three quarters of the patents related to 4IR technology. Nations falling behind could suffer as more efficient, cheaper and faster ways of doing business lead to a less competitive world in this more globalised economy.
As automation supplants human workers, the net displacement of labour by machines might exacerbate the gap between returns to capital and returns to labour. On the other hand, it is possible that the displacement of workers by technology will, in aggregate, result in a net increase in safe and rewarding jobs, the World Economic Forum says.
The proliferation of 4IR technology, the UN says, is a “virtuous cycle” – one in which the more technology that drives an economy, the faster digital products diffuse through industry, creating a greater build-up of experience and expertise, “which in turn accelerates the process of further digitalisation”.
Why this matters
Like those before it, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to increase income levels and improve the quality of life for people around the world. It is also likely to create "a supply-side miracle", Mr Schwab wrote in his original description of what the world might be under this revolution.
He argued that long-term gains in efficiency and productivity would result in falling costs for transportation and communication while logistics and global supply chains will become more effective. Trade costs will also fall. Taken together, this has the opportunity to open new markets and drive economic growth.
Still, what was true when 4IR rose to prominence in 2016 remains true in 2021: "To date, those who have gained the most [from the Fourth Industrial Revolution] have been consumers able to afford and access the digital world; technology has made possible new products and services that increase the efficiency and pleasure of our personal lives. Ordering a cab, booking a flight, buying a product, making a payment, listening to music, watching a film, or playing a game – any of these can now be done remotely."
In addition to access and scaling 4IR technology, another challenge persists: the question of privacy.
Collecting, aggregating and leveraging data is the lifeblood of much of the technology that underlies this revolution.
Going even further, as AI develops we will debate "what it means to be human", Mr Schwab says. Changing the "current thresholds of lifespan, health, cognition and capabilities, will compel us to redefine our moral and ethical boundaries."
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Werder Bremen 1 (Bittencourt 32')
Man of the match Leonardo Bittencourt (Werder Bremen)
more from Janine di Giovanni
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
England squad
Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Lewis Gregory, Keaton Jennings, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Amar Virdi, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
'Champions'
Director: Manuel Calvo
Stars: Yassir Al Saggaf and Fatima Al Banawi
Rating: 2/5
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
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How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
