As the new school year approaches in less than two weeks, parents in the UAE are investing up to Dh2,000 per child on back-to-school necessities, excluding tuition fees. Many parents have started their shopping, opting for fresh items or seeking deals and used products. Shopping malls are bustling again this summer, with leading brands in the back-to-school sector offering promotions nationwide in anticipation of the school reopening on August 26.

'Spending wisely, not excessively' Syrian expat Aiham Joratli, a father of a two-year-old and a KG 2 student, shared, “I’m allocating up to Dh1,500 for my daughter’s needs this year. It varies based on what you select. In Al Ain, prices seem more moderate than in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in my view.” Aiham, an engineer at an automotive firm, noted that the UAE offers diverse options for parents to spend within their budget and values. “You can spend as little as Dh50 on a lunch box or up to Dh500 or more,” he detailed. “A pair of uniforms for my daughter costs Dh600.” He also mentioned additional expenses like a lunch box and water bottles, which could total Dh300-400, and preferred branded items for durability. “A pair of branded school shoes might cost around Dh200, and a school bag could be around Dh350. We also consider rising costs as children age. My wife and I, both professionals, believe in spending wisely but not excessively.”

While Facebook and WhatsApp groups are abuzz with offers to exchange textbooks and reused items, some parents find not everything can be bought second-hand. Indian expat Jyoti Bhagwat, whose children attend an IB school in Dubai, said, “I’m spending Dh1,700 for both my children on uniforms and stationery. My younger child needs new uniforms this year due to a change.” She lamented the lack of choice in uniform shopping and the high costs despite often subpar quality. Jyoti also highlighted additional expenses for extracurricular activities and equipment like a tennis racquet for her older child. She typically spends Dh300 on new bags and stationery for her children and buys pre-owned uniforms as backups during school sales.

Some parents avoid second-hand items due to limited selection or concerns about condition and durability. American expat Natalia Miranda, who spent around Dh600 on uniforms and Dh300 on school supplies, prefers buying new items for her child. She noted, “Back-to-school expenses here seem more reasonable than in the US, so it doesn’t feel too burdensome.” Filipino expat Ben Lebig shared his family’s incremental costs, including Dh1,500 on shoes and uniforms, Dh1,000 on books, and additional expenses for his daughter’s IGCSEs.