GOODBYE SUMMER: A SEASON THAT SIZZLED BEYOND MEASURE
This summer, across the GCC and beyond, the sun blazed not just from above but through every facet of our lives—altering habits, pausing rhythms, and leaving its mark on our lifestyle and economy alike. As we prepare to turn the page on this unforgiving season, we reflect not just on the heat but on how the world around us seemingly came to a standstill.
A Summer of Extremes
It wasn’t just hot—it was historic. Across cities from Muscat to Dubai, Doha to Riyadh, temperatures breached records, days dragged under relentless sun, and the word “outdoors” vanished from our daily vocabulary. The warning signs of global warming were no longer distant headlines—they were right at our doorsteps. With each passing year, what was once considered extreme is becoming our new normal.
From scorching asphalt streets to overloaded cooling systems, the summer tested our infrastructure and patience. Frequent reminders of climate distress—from wildfires in Europe to drought alerts in Asia—only echoed louder in our region, where the line between livability and vulnerability grows thinner.
When Time Slows Down
As the mercury soared, so did the silence. School holidays kicked in, travel surged outward, and entire neighborhoods felt deserted. Malls became our new parks, and delivery apps replaced leisurely strolls. Families flew abroad in search of cooler escapes, while others stayed back, cocooned indoors, shifting to a more digital, less dynamic rhythm of life.
With children off school and many businesses entering a seasonal lull, the buzz of city life dimmed. Coffee shops saw fewer patrons during the day. Beaches remained empty until after sundown. Cultural events were postponed, and even social gatherings were scaled down or taken virtual.
It wasn’t just the heat—it was the pause. Summer, always a slow season, now resembled an intermission where everyone held their breath, waiting for the temperatures—and life—to normalize again.
Lifestyle Rewired
This summer demanded adaptation. Families rescheduled their days around twilight hours. Wellness routines moved indoors—home gyms, yoga mats, and screen workouts replaced morning jogs and outdoor fitness. Hydration, sun protection, and energy conservation became daily mantras.
Fashion bent to the will of the weather—lighter fabrics, looser fits, sunshields, and UV-proof accessories dominated wardrobes. Cafés and restaurants revamped menus to include more coolers, smoothies, and salads. Travel plans pivoted toward colder destinations—mountain retreats, European escapes, or cooler coastal towns.
In essence, the season forced us to slow down, recalibrate, and find comfort in simplicity. The luxury this summer wasn’t extravagance—it was survival with style.
Tourism and the Cooling Economy
The harsh climate also cast its shadow on regional economies. Tourism, a vital lifeline for many cities during earlier summers, took a visible hit. High temperatures, combined with global inflation and shifting travel patterns, led to a drop in tourist footfall across hotels, resorts, and historical sites in the GCC.
Many outdoor attractions and tour operators had to temporarily scale down or shut operations. Retail spending saw a dip, particularly in sectors reliant on foot traffic and walk-ins. Local small businesses, cafés, and artisanal markets especially felt the strain.
Even larger commercial centers and malls, though air-conditioned havens, noted decreased weekday activity. The “summer slump,” once a seasonal pattern, now reflected broader concerns of climate change and economic caution.
A Wake-Up Call in the Heat
This summer wasn’t just a seasonal challenge—it was a warning. The effects of climate change are no longer abstract. Our cities are warmer, our routines disrupted, and our businesses impacted. It calls for collective action—from green architecture to conscious consumerism, from policy change to individual responsibility.
Sustainable living, energy-efficient practices, and climate-resilient infrastructure must take center stage in our cities. And as individuals, we are being nudged to rethink how we live, travel, consume, and even rest.
Turning the Page
As August closes and the first hints of milder days emerge, the region slowly reawakens. Schools prepare to reopen. Community events return to calendars. Social circles reconnect. Life begins to stir again, gently shaking off the languor of the heat.
But the lessons of this summer must not be forgotten. The season reminded us of our limits, our resilience, and the pressing need for change. It also reminded us of the small joys—cool evenings, shared meals, indoor creativity, and quiet reflection.
Goodbye, summer. You came in harsh, stayed too long, and changed much. But like all endings, you leave behind not just stories—but a sense of readiness for the cooler, better days ahead.