Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
With the 2026-2027 academic year approaching, parents of public school students have been advised to buy uniforms early to ensure size availability and avoid the last-minute rush. The Ministry of Education (MoE) recently released a guide covering uniform requirements for every grade level, along with pricing and purchase locations.
MoE school uniforms are available at LuLu Hypermarket Group branches nationwide and through the retailer's website, with prices fixed and not subject to markup at stores.
Shirts, shorts, trousers and jackets range from Dh29 to Dh56 - rates that parents said have made this year's back-to-school shopping easier.
Mariam Rashid, a 38-year-old mother of three public school students, said she watches uniform prices closely each year since costs can add up quickly.
"This year's costs are affordable and not a major financial hardship," she said. "I like that all authorised stores have set prices, so parents don't have to worry about unforeseen price hikes."
Ahood Ahmed, who has one child in public school, said that with the the uniforms' quality, the price gives more value for money.
"I believe the costs are reasonable and appropriate for the majority of families," she said.
"Affordable solutions provide parents more peace of mind as they get ready for the new school year."
Both mothers said they prefer to buy uniforms well ahead of the school year.
"Buying the uniform early saves a lot of time and effort," Ahmed said.
"Instead of dealing with crowded stores just before school starts, I prefer to finish everything in advance so my child begins the academic year fully prepared and without any last-minute pressure."
The MoE advises families to keep purchase receipts, as returns are accepted within 10 days for manufacturing defects or incorrect sizing.
"The school uniform is one of the important elements that contribute to promoting discipline and equality among students within the school community," the ministry said in its 29-page document.
"This guide was prepared with the aim of serving parents and making it easier for them to obtain the approved school uniform."
