School fees are only part of the back-to-school bill. Uniforms, stationery, gadgets and activity fees add up fast every September, and a bit of planning ahead of the shopping trip makes a real difference to the total. Here are 10 practical ways to keep the cost down.
1. Write a list and check what you already own
Check the school’s supply list against what is already sitting in cupboards and old bags before you shop. Most households already have a decent stash of pencils, notebooks and highlighters left over from previous years.
2. Check backpacks and drawers from last year
Teachers often send unused stationery and workbooks home at the end of term. Check last year’s backpack before buying anything new, and reuse the uniform, backpack or lunchbox if it still fits.
3. Pass items down between siblings
If you have more than one child, hand-me-down uniforms, shoes and books save money and cut down on waste. Facebook Marketplace, thrift shops and parent groups are also good sources for gently used tablets, books and school gear.
4. Time your shopping around retailer promotions
Lulu, Carrefour and Union Co-op typically run back-to-school promotions in the lead-up to the new school year. Budget stores such as Daiso and Miniso are worth checking for stationery and basics at a fraction of the price of a supermarket.
5. Delay non-urgent purchases
Uniforms and books are needed on day one, but items like winter uniforms, spare pencil cases and backpacks can often wait a few weeks until clearance sales start.
6. Compare gadgets before buying
Many Dubai schools now require a tablet or laptop for coursework. Check with the school on the specific requirements first, then compare prices across a few retailers rather than buying from the first store you visit. A device that will comfortably last two or three years is usually better value than the cheapest option available now.
7. Buy durable basics once
Bags, shoes and binders that last two years are cheaper in the long run than replacing low quality versions annually. Stick to neutral colours if you want them to last through more than one school year.
8. Use coupons, newsletters and cashback apps
6thStreet, Namshi, Noon and Amazon all run back-to-school promotions most years. Signing up for retailer newsletters ahead of the season is usually the fastest way to hear about a sale before stock runs low.
9. Use parent groups to trade and resell
School parent groups on Facebook and WhatsApp are a reliable way to buy and sell used uniforms, textbooks and supplies at well below retail price.
10. Pay school fees with a cashback credit card
Several UAE banks offer cashback on school fee payments made by credit card, which can meaningfully offset one of the bigger costs of the season. The FAB Cashback Credit Card pays 5% cashback on supermarket and grocery spend (capped at AED 150 a month) and on fashion and dining, plus a standing AED 40 off Carrefour online with a minimum AED 250 monthly spend, and FAB periodically runs an Al Futtaim back-to-school campaign giving 10% cashback across Al-Futtaim retail brands. Terms vary by bank and change from year to year, so check current terms with your card provider before assuming an old rate still applies. For a fuller comparison, the best cashback credit cards in the UAE covers rates, caps and salary minimums across the market.
For the rest of the household budget beyond school shopping, fuel-saving tips for the UAE and ways to save money on groceries cover two of the other recurring costs worth trimming at the same time.
