{
  "id": 8628258,
  "title": "The school bag evolution: what UAE students carry now",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/the-school-bag-evolution-what-uae-students-carry-now",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T05:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/the-school-bag-evolution-what-uae-students-carry-now-1.500678167"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the past, a school bag was merely a means to carry books and essentials, with design and style playing a minimal role in the selection process. However, UAE students today approach bag selection with a newfound emphasis on aesthetics and practicality. Gone are the days when a bag's primary purpose was to accommodate textbooks, lunch boxes, and pencil cases. Now, UAE students strive to carry bags that not only serve their functional needs but also complement their outfits and exude an air of sophistication. The UAE school bag has transformed into a status symbol, with luxury brands increasingly visible among students, especially in university settings. Designer totes and handbags are now commonplace, replacing the traditional backpack. The evolution of the school bag reflects the changing dynamics of education and student lifestyles in the UAE.",
  "summary": "There was a time when a school bag was just a school bag. You picked one with enough space for your books, made sure the straps didn’t fall off your shoulders and, if you were lucky, it had a cute keychain hanging from the zipper. That was pretty much the extent of the decision-making. Now? Choosing a bag for school or university can feel like choosing an outfit. For UAE students, the humble…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}