August 6, 05:00

UAE Education Expense Calculator: How Much Parents Spend on Fees and Uniforms

As schools in the United Arab Emirates prepare to resume classes in the last week of August, parents begin preparing for numerous events associated with the start of the academic year. After a quiet July, many families go through a period of transition that includes completing summer assignments and adjusting sleep schedules.

However, the most significant change most families face is the need to plan their finances considering the start of the school year. From tuition fees and uniforms to stationery and extracurricular activities—the start of the school year creates serious financial difficulties for many parents. Nevertheless, experts argue that with proper planning, this month can pass easily.

Below are approximate estimates and practical tips to help plan the 2026-2027 academic year without excessive spending. Tuition fees and related expenses are one of the largest fixed costs for families in the UAE. Although the main cost is tuition, the total amount can increase by 10–25 percent after including all additional charges.

According to Mike Cody, CEO and Private Equity Partner at Skybound Wealth Management, one of the most important steps parents should take is financial planning for education. This will help avoid panic and rushing to find money at the last minute.

He advised parents to create an education cash flow calendar that accounts for all known payments: registration fees, tuition, transportation, uniform, books, devices, events, and trips. Next, subtract any confirmed employer subsidy, divide the remaining amount by the number of paychecks until the payment deadline, and automatically transfer this amount to a separate education account on payday.

The cost of schooling in the UAE varies greatly due to the presence of different categories of schools catering to various nationalities. Below is a general overview of the types of schools in the country and their average annual fees.

Budget Schools
Annual fee: AED 4,100 to AED 30,000. Some schools in the UAE, such as Crescent English School following the CBSE curriculum in Dubai, list a total annual fee of AED 3,628 for Grade 1. A British curriculum school, Al Sadiq Islamic English School, charges from AED 10,000 to AED 16,000 per year, including books and uniform.

Mid-Range Schools
Annual fee: AED 35,000 to AED 60,000. For example, Arcadi Global School in Dubai charges from AED 25,865 for FS1 to AED 33,788 for Grade 9, while GEMS Founders School in Al Mizhar charges from AED 24,877 for FS1 to AED 37,856 for Grade 13. These schools may have additional costs for optional activities and technology.

Elite Premium Schools
Annual fee: AED 55,000 to AED 95,000+. The North London Collegiate School in Dubai may require up to AED 143,681 for Grade 12. Premium IB schools can also exceed AED 110,000 annually.

Many parents are shocked when 'additional' school fees are added to the bill. For the 2026-2027 academic year, parents can expect additional expenses ranging from AED 2,000 to AED 10,000 per child just for supplementary costs at the start of the school year, although this amount may be higher depending on preferences.

Approximate estimate: AED 600 to AED 2,000 per child. Details: A complete set of two uniforms can cost around AED 600. However, if parents add sports kits, blazers, and shoes, the total amount quickly increases. Some parents reported to Khaleej Times that they spend nearly AED 5,000 annually just on uniforms at some schools.

Approximate estimate: AED 1,500 to AED 4,000. Details: Textbooks can be very expensive; middle school parents report spending up to AED 1,200 for a set of textbooks. Stationery and a new backpack can cost AED 300 to AED 500. Many schools also require students to have learning devices, which can significantly increase the total bill.

Approximate estimate: AED 150 to AED 500. Details: A quality lunchbox and water bottle can cost from AED 50 to over AED 400. Some parents advise avoiding the 'trendy expensive bottles' and choosing local insulated brands.

Approximate estimate: AED 1,000 to AED 8,000+ per year. Details: Many schools offer some free activities, but premium programs in sports, robotics, or performing arts incur costs. KHDA data shows that optional extracurricular activities can range from AED 100 to AED 8,000 per year. When budgeting for ECAs, Mike's expert advice is key: 'Think like an investor, not just a parent: determine the future cost, date, and currency, and then fund it automatically.'

Create a 'Now, Later, Further' plan: 'Now' (next 12 months): Keep funds for the immediate start of the school year in cash. 'Later' (2–5 years): Use low-risk savings for expenses such as a new laptop or a school trip in the coming years. 'Further' (7+ years): Invest in a diversified long-term strategy for university expenses.
Create an education cash flow calendar: List every known annual payment: registration fees, tuition, transportation, uniform, books, activities, and trips. Subtract any confirmed employer subsidy, divide the remaining cost by the number of paychecks until the payment deadline, and automatically transfer this amount to a separate education account on payday.
Do not confuse an emergency reserve fund with paying school bills: One of Mike's key pieces of advice is not to use your emergency fund to cover annual school bills.
Conduct a budget stress test: Use a 10–15 percent increase as a stress test. If the plan depends on an expected salary increase or bonus, it is not a reliable plan.
Choose the best payment method: Annual payment: This is only the best option if parents are not forced to deplete their emergency fund. A 3 percent discount on an AED 80,000 tuition account saves about AED 2,400. Interest-free installment plan: The next best option for managing cash flow is choosing an interest-free installment plan. Mike warned parents to check processing fees, repayment terms, and late payment conditions. Cashback credit cards: Mike noted that credit cards can be used as an extra bonus, but only if parents can pay off the balance in full. Mike warned: 'Card rewards are not savings if they create debt obligations with interest.'
Shop strategically: Take advantage of summer sales, such as Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), or back-to-school offers for bulk purchasing supplies and stationery. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute panic buying, which leads to overspending.

August does not have to be a month of financial anxiety. By understanding the true costs, planning in advance, and using smart saving tips, such as buying second-hand items, parents can approach the 2026-2027 academic year confidently and with control over the family budget.

www.aajtak.inAugust 6, 06:02

Jharkhand students demand meeting with Chief Minister amid JPSC exam irregularities

Student protests in Jharkhand are intensifying due to alleged irregularities in the 14th joint preliminary examination conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). Amid continuous demonstrations, the government of Hemant Soren is facing pressure.

In response to the protests, the government formed a delegation of four ministers to negotiate with the students. However, the students insist that the meeting must take place directly with the Chief Minister. There is a high probability that the ministerial group will visit the protest site on Thursday to begin dialogue. According to state sources, if on-site negotiations do not occur, student representatives may be invited to a public venue.

Government considers canceling results

According to sources, given the growing dissatisfaction among students, the government is seriously considering the option of canceling the exam results. It is reported that this issue is being discussed at the government level, and an important decision may be made soon.

Meanwhile, Minister of Welfare Linda stated that the government has invited student representatives for a discussion. Nevertheless, the students have clearly stated that they do not agree to closed-door negotiations. Their demand is for Chief Minister Hemant Soren himself to hold a conversation with them. Furthermore, they require the presence of at least two media representatives during the dialogue to ensure the entire conversation is public and transparent. The government's position also indicates the possibility of holding talks in a public place.

Student demands: meeting with the Chief Minister in an open venue

One of the demonstrators stated: 'At our meeting last night, it was decided that we would go to negotiations with the government, although the time has not yet been determined. But we have one more demand. If the Chief Minister is willing to have a live meeting with us in an open area, in front of the media, then a concrete decision can be reached.' He added: 'We say this because in past actions of some of our comrades, they were taken to negotiations in a closed room, but no concrete result came out. We feel that they are trying to repeat the same attempt now. The government is calling a five-member delegation, but this looks like an attempt only to postpone or end the movement.'

The demonstrator emphasized: 'We do not want this. Our only demand is that if the Chief Minister wants to talk, he appears in an open area. We will accept that. Let him say whatever he wants in front of the cameras. If his proposal suits us, we will agree, and if not—we will not.'

Serious action by CID: arrest of five suspects

For its part, the Jharkhand CID, investigating the alleged irregularities in the JPSC exam, has taken significant steps by arresting five accused individuals. This operation was conducted in cooperation with the police from Ranchi and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. The arrested individuals are Umakant Uranw, Roshan Kerketatta, Manoj Kumar, Rakshak Singh, and Dharmendra Kumar. According to CID information, Umakant Uranw is accused of fraud and misuse of undue means in taking the 14th preliminary JPSC exam, as well as acting as an agent providing these opportunities to other candidates. Roshan Kerketatta and Manoj Kumar are also accused of successfully passing the exam using undue means. Rakshak Singh, arrested from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, works as an accountant at TDPL, the company conducting the JPSC exam. The investigative agency claims that he also used fraudulent methods and undue means in the exam. Dharmendra Kumar was also detained in this case. The CID is currently questioning all the accused and is working to verify the entire network.

uzdaily.uzAugust 5, 20:37

Astana Hosts the III International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence for Schoolchildren

The capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, is hosting the III International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) from August 2 to August 8. The event will bring together over 500 schoolchildren from 106 countries worldwide. This Olympiad is one of the largest international events for students dedicated to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.

Participants demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills in creating artificial intelligence models, solving complex engineering problems, and programming autonomous robotic systems.

Kazakhstan Strengthens Its Digital Leadership

The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, participated in the opening ceremony. He emphasized that hosting such a global competition reflects the country's aspiration to build a digital economy and develop high technologies. According to the president, Kazakhstan is consistently implementing its digital transformation strategy, creating a modern innovative ecosystem where artificial intelligence plays a central role in public administration, economic growth, and business.

Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan ranks 24th out of 193 countries in the UN E-Government Development Index and is a leader in Central Asia in terms of readiness to adopt advanced digital technologies. He also highlighted the development of human capital, mentioning that the Kazakh team won three gold, one silver, and three bronze medals at last year's International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence in Beijing.

The President stated: "Knowledge has always united people and moved humanity forward. Perhaps it is here that ideas and projects capable of changing the world for the better are born."

A New Generation of the Olympiad

The International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence is a relatively new but already well-established global educational initiative. It brings together talented schoolchildren, researchers, educators, and leading experts in the field of AI. Unlike traditional programming contests, the IOAI focuses on solving practical problems closely related to the real challenges of the modern digital economy.

Participants work with machine learning algorithms, computer vision, data analysis, and neural networks, developing intelligent models and programming autonomous robots. The goal of the competition is to assess not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to apply it to create innovative technological solutions.

Artificial Intelligence as the Driving Force of the Global Economy

This event demonstrates the growing global significance of artificial intelligence as one of the defining technologies of the 21st century. AI-based solutions are increasingly being implemented in fields such as industry, healthcare, education, finance, transport, agriculture, environmental protection, and public administration. According to international analysts, in the coming years, AI technologies will occupy a significant share of the global economy, and the demand for AI specialists will continue to grow rapidly. As a result, many states are investing in developing youth digital skills, expanding educational programs, and supporting emerging researchers.

A Platform for Future Technology Leaders

In addition to the competition itself, the Olympiad serves as a platform for knowledge exchange among participants, teachers, researchers, and representatives of the high-tech industry. The opening ceremony was attended by executives from Sinovation Ventures and 01.ai, Kai-Fu Lee, Chair of the International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence Council, Elena Marinova, President of the Kazakhstan Sports Programming Federation, Bagdat Mussin, co-founder of Kaspi.kz, Mikhail Lomtadze, and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., Timur Tyurlov. During the event, Tokayev familiarized himself with the structure of the Olympiad, the competition tasks, and demonstrations of autonomous robotic systems.

Investing in the Future

The III International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence underscores Kazakhstan's ambitions to become one of the leading centers of digital technology and innovation in Eurasia. Organizers note that holding this global competition promotes international scientific cooperation, advances engineering education, and helps shape a new generation of specialists who will define technological progress in the coming decades. The organizers also emphasized that artificial intelligence has ceased to be a technology of the future, becoming a key factor in national competitiveness. In this context, the International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence not only identifies talented young developers but also contributes to the creation of a global community of future leaders of the digital age.

Students state that their protests will continue until their demands receive a firm response. On the other hand, the government is trying to resolve the deadlock through dialogue. Consequently, all attention is focused on the proposed negotiations between the government and student representatives, as well as the government's potential decision regarding the JPSC exam results.

UAE Education Expense Calculator: How Much Parents Spend on Fees and Uniforms

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