As the back-to-school season approaches in the UAE, parents are gearing up to spend up to Dh2,000 per child on essentials, excluding tuition fees. Many parents have already begun shopping, seeking out deals on brand-new products or looking for discounts on second-hand items. Malls across the country are bustling with activity as popular brands in the back-to-school category are offering promotions ahead of the school reopening on August 26. Syrians expat Aiham Joratli shared that he is spending up to Dh1,500 for his daughter who is starting KG2 this year, mentioning that prices in Al Ain are more reasonable compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Aiham, who works as an engineer, highlighted the various options available for parents in the UAE to spend according to their budget and preferences. He emphasized the importance of spending wisely but not overspending, mentioning that the cost of back-to-school items can vary greatly. Indian expat Jyoti Bhagwat shared her experience of spending Dh1,700 on uniforms and stationery for her children, who attend an IB curriculum school in Dubai. She mentioned the challenge of buying new uniforms at set prices from a single outlet and the quality concerns with some items, leading her to purchase plain trousers from regular stores for a lower cost.
Despite the availability of second-hand items on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, some parents prefer to buy new items due to limitations in finding specific supplies or concerns about wear and tear. American expat Natalia Miranda shared her back-to-school shopping experience, mentioning that they chose to buy everything new for their child, Anish. Natalia spent around Dh600 on uniforms and a PE set, as well as additional costs for school supplies, an iPad pen, and other essentials. She appreciated the relatively reasonable back-to-school expenses in the UAE compared to the US.
Parents like Filipino expat Ben Lebig who only have one child also consider the incremental costs of school expenses each year. Ben mentioned spending around Dh1,500 on new shoes and uniforms and an additional Dh1,000 on books. However, as his daughter has progressed to Year 11, additional expenses for her IGCSEs have added up to Dh3,000-4,000. The back-to-school season can be a significant financial commitment for families, but planning and budgeting wisely can help alleviate some of the financial burden. Stay updated on the latest back-to-school trends and promotions to make informed choices and ensure a smooth transition for children as they return to school.
