UAE Parents Adopt Smart Strategies to Manage Rising Back-to-School Costs
Ahead of the August 31 school reopening, UAE parents are implementing various strategies, including early purchases, cashback cards, and reusing supplies, to mitigate back-to-school expenses, which have reportedly increa
As schools across the UAE prepare to reopen on August 31, families are bracing for the annual financial outlay on uniforms, stationery, and other supplies. Many parents report a significant increase in costs, with some estimating a 15-20% rise compared to the previous year, primarily driven by uniforms, school supplies, and activity-related expenses.
Cost-Saving Strategies
Parents are employing several resourceful methods to manage these rising costs:
- Advance Purchases and Sales: One strategy involves buying essential items like school shoes well in advance, often during sales, and in multiple sizes. Some schools also offer discounts, such as a 10% discount on uniforms if purchased before July 31, encouraging early planning.
- Cashback and Rewards Cards: Using credit cards that offer specific benefits for educational spending is another popular tactic. For instance, a Gems Education credit card provides 10% cashback on general school-related expenses and 3% cashback on tuition fees. Points accumulated can also be converted into airline miles, like Emirates Skywards.
- Smart Stationery Choices: To prevent loss and reduce replacement costs, some parents opt for engraved stationery items, pencil cases, and even water bottles from small local businesses or online platforms like Etsy, noting that while the upfront cost might be higher, it saves money in the long run.
Reducing Consumption and Using School Services
Beyond purchasing strategies, families are also focusing on reducing overall consumption and making practical choices:
- Reusing and Downsizing: Instead of buying new items annually, parents are checking the condition of last year's stationery for reuse. For uniforms, some families have reduced the number of sets purchased; for example, buying two regular uniforms and one PE uniform instead of three regular and two PE sets, relying on regular washing routines.
- School Bus Utilisation: The school bus remains a cost-effective and convenient option for many, providing a predictable monthly cost and saving parents time and fuel expenses from daily school runs. It is also seen as beneficial for children's social development and independence.
Questions, answered
- When do schools typically reopen in the UAE?
- Schools across the UAE usually reopen after the summer break on August 31.
- What is the estimated increase in back-to-school costs this year?
- Parents are reporting an estimated 15-20% increase in back-to-school expenses this year, with uniforms, school supplies, and activity-related costs being the primary drivers.
- What specific credit card benefits can help with school expenses?
- The Gems Education credit card offers specific benefits, including 10% cashback on general school-related expenses and 3% cashback on tuition fees, with points convertible to airline miles like Emirates Skywards.
- How do parents save on school uniforms?
- Parents save on uniforms by taking advantage of early bird discounts offered by some schools (e.g., 10% off before July 31) and by reducing the number of uniform sets purchased, for instance, opting for two regular and one PE uniform instead of more.
- How can families reduce stationery replacement costs?
- Families reduce stationery replacement costs by reusing items from the previous year that are still in good condition and by purchasing engraved items from small businesses to prevent loss and aid recovery.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.