The climate here is almost unbearable outside for long periods of time. All work for laborers has to stop mid-day until 3pm so they can safely make it through.

For western expat men with school-age family, most have a bachelor existence over the summer. Mums and kids head off for cooler climes the moment school is out in late June, and don't come back until early September when it starts again.

Retail businesses struggle for customers - most western expat women do not work (pay is lousy for non-professional jobs). It is women who do most of the  buying here, so western-focused stores and malls can become like ghost towns.

In 2011, Ramadan is earlier - the whole month of August. In Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day. During this time, all businesses close early, in principle so staff can go home to prepare the evening meal. There are restrictions on when & where alcohol can be served. Out of respect for Muslim colleagues who do fast, at work we make a point not to eat or drink in front of them. In the hotels, they serve pre-dawn breakfast featuring islamic decor, with a veritable feast at night.

For Emirati-focused retail, Ramadan can be quite good. All malls are open until 2 am, sales are held for "going-back-to-school".