Red Break

In these uncertain times, you can still be certain of one thing in Dubai. The temperature, unlike local property prices, will continue to rise and rise. The effect is gradual and, at first, you only notice it in small ways. The electricity bill goes up because the AC is on continually and the water out of the cold tap, since the tank is on the roof, comes out hot. Your back is sweaty after you drop the kids off at school at 7.30am, and it's too hot and sticky to sit out in the garden at night.

It's hard to tell when summer actually starts (although one local said to me 'yes, we have four seasons, three are summer'). Anyway, I reckon it was yesterday - 47 degrees in Jebel Ali and I felt my cheeks start to burn the moment I stepped out of the car. The kids are now on red break at school - not allowed out at playtime because it's too hot. Spare a thought for those poor souls stuck outside all day working in it earning a pittance for their toil.