Parents in the UAE are facing a dilemma as summer vacation approaches, with concerns about finding affordable ways to keep their children occupied. The steep expenses associated with summer camps are a major source of worry for many parents, making it challenging to enroll their kids in these programs. Some parents are even considering keeping their children at home instead of opting for these pricey camps, believing that they do not significantly contribute to their educational development.
Despite the availability of moderately priced summer camps starting at Dh311 per week, totaling Dh1,244 per month, parents are more interested in options that offer a wider range of activities. The more appealing camps, which promise unique learning opportunities and entertainment experiences for children, come at a higher cost of Dh770 per week, amounting to more than Dh3,000 per month. This has led many parents to explore alternative options to keep their children engaged during the summer break.
American expat Natalia Miranda shared her plans for the summer, mentioning that her son will be participating in theatre and coding classes. While the costs for these activities can add up, Miranda emphasized the importance of finding activities in Dubai that match her child’s interests. However, she highlighted the additional cost of transportation, which can be a concern for working parents trying to manage their budgets while providing enriching experiences for their children.
Neha Talwalkar, a parent of two schoolgoing children, expressed her struggles with the high costs of summer camps. She mentioned the expenses involved in enrolling her sons in different activities, including football classes, podcast sessions, and guitar lessons. Talwalkar emphasized the necessity of keeping her children engaged in productive activities during the summer break, despite the financial strain it puts on her family.
Some parents have opted out of traditional holiday camps due to the high costs involved. Shun Khin Shun Lae Tha shared her decision to forego summer camps for her daughter, opting instead for activities that align with the child’s year-round interests such as gymnastics, drawing, Kumon, and Abacus classes. This highlights a trend where parents are prioritizing continuity in their children’s education and interests rather than opting for expensive camps with mixed activities.
Working parents who face extended hours at work and concerns about increased screen time for their children are also looking for affordable and engaging options for the summer break. Some parents choose to spend quality time with visiting relatives during the summer, opting against enrolling their children in expensive camps. This decision reflects a balance between providing enriching experiences for children and managing the costs associated with summer activities.
Egyptian expat Abdul Magdi shared his perspective on the challenges of finding affordable summer camp options for his children. While acknowledging the high costs of summer camps, he mentioned the support from visiting grandparents and upcoming travel plans as factors that help alleviate the burden of keeping children engaged during the break. The comparison with camp prices in the US and the availability of outdoor activities in different climates highlight the different considerations parents face when planning for summer activities.
