School uniforms aren’t cheap: Cost rundown and how UAE parents are saving money

[Editor’s Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times’ Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities.]

For some parents in the UAE, shopping for school uniforms costs just a few hundred dirhams each year. For others, it can be a Dh2,000 dent in the household budget per child.

With rising prices and additional items like jackets, shoes, and bags pushing totals even higher, families are carefully weighing what’s truly essential. 

Schools across the UAE are set to reopen on Monday, August 25, following nearly two months of summer break. As Khaleej Times reached out to a cross-section of parents, we found that a mandatory uniform set for grades K–11 at some schools can cost around Dh600, covering shirts, pants or skirts, PE attire, and a jacket. However, at other schools, when blazers, shoes, accessories, and seasonal items are added, the total can quickly rise, with some spending nearly Dh5,000 annually.

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How UAE uniform costs stack up internationally

Meanwhile, international comparisons show UAE parents may shoulder higher costs than many abroad, placing the country among the more expensive educational uniform markets.

As revealed by the National Retail Federation, in the US, K-12 shoppers are budgeting $253 (about Dh923) per child for clothing and accessories, while in the UK, as per a research published by the Children’s Society, parents spend around £287 (Dh1,355) for primary students and £422 (Dh1,992) for secondary.

Parents counting every dirham

Syrian expat Aiham Joratli, whose daughter is entering Year 1, said he spends about Dh1,500 in Al Ain for back-to-school expenses.

“A complete set of two uniforms costs Dh600. A branded school bag is Dh350, shoes Dh200, and lunch box and bottles Dh300–400,” he said. “Prices in Al Ain are more reasonable than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but it really depends on what you choose to buy.”

For Dubai parent Ami Rasheed, whose children attend a GEMS school, uniforms alone came to Dh1,000.

“That’s two sets of shorts and pants, two regular uniforms, one sports uniform, and one winter jacket per child,” she said. “Shoes are separate — around Dh50 each for regular ones — because kids outgrow them quickly. I buy moderately priced sports shoes for the same reason.”

She added, “I prefer getting everything from ‘Threads’, the official supplier, rather than hunting for cheaper outlets in Sharjah. Convenience matters too.”

American expat Natalia Miranda said, “I have a nine-year-old son and this year I’m budgeting Dh2,000 for his back-to-school uniform, PE kit, trainers, boxing gear, lunch bag and a few extras. But I wish the uniforms were better quality and made from more natural fabrics.”

Tailoring and second-hand options

Many parents rely on community WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or school sales to source pre-loved school items. However, some note that it’s not always possible to find everything second-hand, making tailoring a practical alternative.

Neimat Ilyas, whose son goes to a GEMS school, said, “I’ve been getting the school uniforms tailored for about three years now. Word spread through the WhatsApp school groups that some tailoring shops were making replicas of the school uniforms. These shops even source the fabric and stitch the uniforms, and they embroider the logo by pulling an image from the internet. The only noticeable difference is that the official store uses a digitally printed logo, whereas the tailors stitch theirs. So far, the school hasn’t raised any issues with it.”

She emphasised when it comes to affordability, the difference is significant. “In the first year, we saved around Dh100 per set. We ordered nearly four sets of uniforms — what would cost around Dh95 for a shirt and Dh105 for a pant at the official store only cost Dh50 at the tailoring shop.

The biggest problem with the official uniform centre is their sizing — and it’s something everyone complains about. You either end up paying extra for alterations or opt for customisation. But even then, the designated vendors charge an additional Dh50 for customisation on top of the already high price of the uniforms.”

Smart ways parents are cutting costs

To help manage expenses, some parents say buying one set now and another mid-year can spread out spending, while uniform swap programmes — where gently used items are exchanged or donated — are helping to reduce costs and waste.

Some also recommend buying accessories and non-logo basics from hypermarkets, as long as they match school colour and style guidelines.

French expat, Marie Dubois, said, “I usually buy one set at the start of the year and another midway through to spread the cost as I have three children. Uniform swap programmes organised by schools also help, and for basics without logos, I pick them up from UAE shops while they are on sale or from my home country while travelling, as long as they match the school’s colours and style.”

Rules on school-specific uniforms

Meanwhile, education authorities have urged schools to clearly state in their fact sheets whether uniforms must be purchased from official suppliers.

Many Dubai schools now allow parents to buy from external vendors, provided the items match the required design. Uniform costs must also be transparently disclosed to parents before the start of the school year.

For example, North London Collegiate School (NLCS), one of Dubai’s most expensive premium schools, lists uniform prices in its fact sheet ranging from Dh300 to Dh5,000, available for purchase directly from the school or via approved external suppliers.

Schools defend the value of uniforms

While parents continue to grapple with rising uniform prices, school leaders in the country argue that uniforms bring benefits in student equality, convenience, and school spirit — though finding ways to balance cost and quality remains an ongoing challenge.

Lisa Johnson, Principal, American Academy for Girls, said, “We believe uniforms promote a sense of belonging and help reduce social pressures around clothing brands, allowing students to focus on learning. My support for uniforms is also shaped by my previous experience as principal of the first public school in Oklahoma (US) to adopt uniforms, where they proved effective in fostering equity across a community with varied economic backgrounds. Uniforms also reduce the morning stress of deciding what to wear, which can be particularly pronounced for adolescents.

Students, parents involved in designing uniforms

Headteachers reiterated when it comes to uniforms, community feedback is also important to schools.

“If we were making a major change, we would consult our families from the outset. As a small school, it can be challenging to offer a wide variety of uniform options while keeping stock available, but we are always exploring ways to allow girls to individualise their style while remaining within our uniform guidelines.

“Our supplier is Magrudy’s, one of the largest vendors in Dubai. They incorporate sustainable practices wherever possible, including using a percentage of recycled fabric. At the end of each school year, we also host a uniform drive where parents can donate outgrown items and exchange them for the correct size, which extends the life of each garment and helps reduce the amount of clothing sent to landfills,” added Johnson.

GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi, is taking a collaborative approach that puts students’ comfort and preferences first.

Acting Head of the school, Dr Ethan Hildreth, said, “In addition, we offer alternative fabrics to support students who might have particular needs. Students wear polos rather than ties, in keeping with a school-spirited American team ethos. Students, parents, and school colleagues were all consulted. Student representatives of school government brought in designs they liked, and elements of various designs were discussed. Students were able to try on samples, model them, and use them in practical trial applications. Parents were similarly consulted and were able to wash, dry, crease, and otherwise test the functionality of uniforms, in addition to providing feedback on the aesthetic qualities.”

Nandini Sircar

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women’s narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it’s the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.