Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
With back-to-school shopping in full swing, parents across the UAE are focused on getting the best value for their money. While some are finding new ways to cut costs, others are shifting their priorities, spending more on what they believe will best support their children’s learning journey.
For parents who spoke to Aletihad, the goal is to strike the right balance between affordability, quality, and necessity.
Mohammed Saleh, a father of two, used to buy everything directly from the school supplier, but not this year. “I’ve started sourcing items independently to reduce costs,” he said.
“My younger daughter’s uniforms, shoes, backpack, and lunch accessories cost me about Dh1,500. Prices differ greatly based on the source and brand,” Saleh added.
Others have been open to buying secondhand uniforms, while some opt for local tailoring services.
Knowing that prices usually skyrocket at the last minute, Abu Dhabi-based father Ali Al Harithi started shopping for school items in early August. For him, children’s comfort is the top priority so he didn’t mind paying extra for some high-quality items.
“Since they spend a lot of time at school, I purchased lightweight backpacks and orthopaedic shoes. Books and assignments are vital, but so is their health,” he said.
“To ease the financial strain, I purchased items in installments, selecting high-quality goods at affordable costs,” Al Harithi added.
Laptops, tablets, and other gadgets make up a significant portion of parents’ back-to-school expenses, highlighting the growing role of technology in education. In response to this demand, retailers have introduced flexible payment options, bundle deals, as well as exclusive discounts for teachers and students.
Back-to-school preparations, however, are not all about uniforms, bags, and shoes, said Khayal Mohsen, a mother of a kindergartner.
“[We also have] to help children — particularly those in the early years — adjust to the school environment and mentally prepare them for their separation from home,” Mohsen said.
