Expensive uniforms to rising bus fares: Families feel strain as Iran war drives up back-to-school costs

As the UAE prepares for the new school year amidst the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, families are facing a strain on their budgets. Before the war, Sumit Augustine's weekly grocery bill was around Dh150, but now it has skyrocketed to Dh300 due to disrupted shipping routes and increased costs. Parents like Ms Augustine are budgeting accordingly, locking in tuition and transport costs early, and hunting for deals on school supplies.

However, some cost pressures have persisted, with uniform shirts costing Dh63 last year and about Dh83 this year. Families are also grappling with the rising bus fares, which have increased to Dh2,700 per term in some areas. Uniform costs remain a significant expense, with some parents spending Dh1,000 per child, not including shoes or accessories.

Retailers are working to absorb the turbulence in the supply chain and provide families with the value and quality they expect, but the prices are unlikely to fall due to the high margins in the uniform industry. Some families are finding ways to mitigate the costs, such as shopping for second-hand uniforms, choosing complimentary extra-curricular activities over paid ones, and repurposing unused stationery.

While school fees remain the main culprit for most families, the conflict has undoubtedly added to the financial burden during the back-to-school season.