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

As the conflict between the US and Iran intensifies, families across the UAE are feeling the strain on their back-to-school budgets. The rising costs of uniforms, bus fares, and specialist equipment have become a major concern for parents, who are struggling to make ends meet while trying to provide the best education for their children.

Sumit Augustine, a mother of a 10-year-old, has noticed a significant increase in her grocery bill, from Dh150 to Dh300, due to the war's impact on shipping costs and supply chain disruptions. She has tried to budget accordingly, securing tuition and transport costs early and looking for deals on school supplies. However, the rising prices have made it challenging to keep up.

Ashish Sood, the chief supply chain officer at Landmark Group, explained that the conflict's disruption to shipping routes has added complexity to the already pressured back-to-school season. While retailers have worked to absorb the turbulence, some cost pressures have persisted. Ayat Adam, an Abu Dhabi mother of three, has noticed a rise in prices for school uniforms, with a shirt costing Dh63 last year and now Dh83.

The conflict has also affected access to specialist equipment, such as the standing frame for Niishhka Manglani's son, a student with special needs. The cost of the equipment has risen, making it harder for families to afford. Matthew Benjamin, founder of sustainable uniform provider Kapes, believes that the high margins in the uniform industry will likely lead to higher prices, although suppliers may not have much room for price competition.

To cope with the rising costs, some parents are turning to second-hand uniforms, buying complementary extracurricular activities instead of paid ones, and repurposing unused stationery. However, school fees remain the main culprit for most families, as they account for a significant portion of their back-to-school expenses.