{
  "id": 2986795,
  "title": "Families feel strain as Iran war drives up back-to-school costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/families-feel-strain-as-iran-war-drives-up-back-to-school-costs",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T09:17:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/08/24/families-feel-strain-as-iran-war-drives-up-back-to-school-costs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The ongoing war between the US and Iran is causing financial strain for families as they prepare for the new school year in the UAE. Groceries are now costing more, with Sumit Augustine's weekly bill jumping from Dh150 to Dh300 due to shipping and supply chain disruptions. Parents are adjusting their budgets, locking in tuition and transport costs early and hunting for deals on school supplies, but the back-to-school season is proving more complex. Retailers have been working to navigate the turbulence without passing the costs onto consumers, but some price pressures persist. Ayat Adam, an Abu Dhabi mother of three, has seen prices increase for school uniforms and other items, with her total back-to-school expenses now exceeding Dh4,700. Access to specialized equipment, such as a standing frame for Niishhka Manglani's son, is also more challenging due to supply limitations. Uniform costs are a significant factor, with Dubai mother Zubia Khan spending Dh1,000 per child, not including shoes or accessories. The circular economy movement sees potential for change, with 43% of consumers surveyed wanting recycled materials in school uniforms and 42% wanting mandatory multi-set requirements abolished. Some parents are finding ways to mitigate costs, such as passing down uniforms, choosing affordable extra-curricular activities, and repurposing stationery. However, school fees remain the primary expense for most families.",
  "summary": "Before the US-Iran war began, Sumit Augustine's weekly grocery bill ran to about Dh150 ($41). Now it's Dh300, as the conflict is affecting shipping costs and the supply of goods across the Gulf. “It would only be natural for the school expenses to increase, too,” the mother of a 10-year-old told The National . Ms Augustine has budgeted accordingly – locking in tuition and transport costs early,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Families feel strain as Iran war drives up back-to-school costs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/families-feel-strain-as-iran-war-drives-up-back-to-school-costs-2988760",
        "published": "2026-08-24T09:17:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}