It’s summertime, and once again expat families all over Dubai are jetting off on their holidays to escape the heat. Some return to their home countries to enjoy two months or more of cooler weather with relatives and friends, while others head to tourist destinations in the Far East, Europe and America.

But while the wife and kids are making the most of their break, spare a thought for the unfortunate fathers who are left behind to sweat out the summer on their own. These so-called married bachelors remain in Dubai for a host of unavoidable reasons such as a lack of leave, dwindling financial resources, or, for some, because it is their only chance to get away from the chaos of family life and have a vacation of their own — at home!

These guys hold fort until the ‘lady of the house’ gets back. Husbands are forced to not only keep the house neat and clean, but also take care of other important chores like paying bills, buying groceries, walking the dog and remembering birthdays.

Now is the time when the wife is missed the most, if only they had paid more attention when she was around!

Take-away menus now become more popular and sought-after than before. After several attempts at trying to cook and burning the dishes, not to mention the food, most men prefer to order take-outs. Sales at restaurants experience a slight increase during the hotter months, bringing some relief to businesses suffering from the annual summer downturn.

Delivery boys can be seen in great numbers, tearing through the streets on their bicycles or motorbikes, delivering meals at break-neck speed. 

Venu a delivery boy who has been delivering take-away orders to customers for the past five years, says: “Every year, we see an increase in take-away orders during the summer. This year is no exception. This boost in orders keeps the economy alive. It is a chain reaction — more orders mean more food to buy and more food to cook. It all helps to make more men happy”

Mohit, a stay at home dad for the holidays, says: “Cooking at home is tedious. I come home late from work most nights. I would rather starve than have to cook in front of a stove after spending long hours stuck in traffic jams.”  

Another bachelor dad, Arun, says: “Cheap and affordable food is now available in the supermarkets near where I live in Karama.  Not only is the food tasty and to my liking, it saves me time and energy. Cooking is now a distant memory for me.”

Vincent, another lonely bachelor dad, had this to say: “I spend most of my waking hours travelling to and from the office, do you expect me to work at home as well? After slogging it out at work, I prefer to unwind at a nearby hotel. The food is very economical and I enjoy the music. 

“After spending several hours at the hotel, I head home for a few hours of sleep before I have to get up to an alarm clock, go to work and start the same routine all over again.”

The life of a married bachelor does have its hardships, but it also has its benefits. However, just when it starts to get too lonely and boring at home, it is time to pick up the wife and kids from the airport, and the holiday is well and truly over.