Early Sleep, Uniforms Ironed: How UAE Families Gear Up Kids To Return To School

As the new school year kicks off on Monday across the UAE, parents and students are juggling last-minute preparations to ensure a smooth start.

Families across the country are finding their rhythm, balancing excitement, preparation, and the bittersweet reality of children growing older with each new school year.

They are busy buying uniforms and shoes, organising schedules, filling out audition forms, and preparing snack and lunch menus.

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American expat, Natalia Miranda, whose son attends Arcadia, shared her experience.“On Wednesday we were at TrueTex store in City Land mall waiting in line for two hours for the uniform.

"My husband and son also went to the Mall of the Emirates (MoE) the other day with all the other people in Dubai to buy shoes and school bags. Last night we got all the books, bags, socks and we got added to the parents' WhatsApp groups to know what each day looks like," she said.

Now we are talking about what to make for breakfast tomorrow, and are going to bake muffins today. All the activities must stop by 8pm tonight because the buses will be rolling in here at 6.30am. It's going to be painful. This means no playing or watching movies until 11pm. I set the bedtime routine in my head everyday but it never happened."

Natalia's son is looking forward to going back to school. "Everyone is back in Dubai now and he's been having playdates with some of his friends last week. They are all excited to go back to school except for the getting up early bit."

Arcadia does the induction with the new teacher in the last week of Term 3 so for them classes will resume full swing from tomorrow. "We are doing boxing, tuitions for English and Maths, so all those classes will resume now. Yesterday we went for a summer brunch to Atlantis before schools reopen.
As a parent, its bitter sweet. It's one more year that they are getting older...it's kind of hard. But we are looking forward to getting back to the routine.”

For some students, returning to school is an exciting opportunity to explore new activities.

Nine-year-old Aakash Nandi said,“I just got back from India on Saturday with my dad. Mom was already here and she bought my new school uniform and PE kit. Today I want to go to bed early. I've been filling out audition forms for Model United Nations and Ted Talks because I really want to join those clubs this year. I'm also excited about my sports trials that will also begin this week."

"A few days ago, I found out my class section and guess what? All four of my best friends are in the same class as me. I have my new shoes, uniform, and bag ready for school. This year, we are getting school lockers for the first time! Tomorrow, mom and I will meet my new teacher for ten minutes and try out our lockers. I can't wait. I feel butterflies in my stomach," said the excited student.

Meanwhile, some parents focus on building responsibility and creating smooth routines for their children.

French expat Marie Dubouis said,“From organising uniforms and shoes to planning early bedtimes, every little detail matters to start the school year smoothly. As my children head back, I can feel that familiar mix of excitement and nerves. For my older child, now in secondary school, I've been encouraging her to finish any pending assignments, complete forms for extracurricular activities, and ensure her uniform and shoes are ready ahead of time. Getting these things in order early really helps students begin the year with confidence and focus. Tomorrow, I'll be dropping them to school, otherwise they usually take the school bus.”

For her younger one, who is moving up to upper primary this year, she's asked him to take up small responsibilities.“This includes charging his iPad, checking his uniform, and laying out his shoes and socks before bedtime. The first few days are always a rush, with everyone adjusting to new routines and early mornings, but preparing in advance eases the chaos and gives them a sense of independence and readiness. Watching them take charge of their own little tasks reminds me how these small habits build responsibility and set the tone for a successful year ahead.”

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