Minister guarantees timely completion of reassessments, but some cases will require further analysis

Families in the United Arab Emirates are starting preparations for the beginning of the academic year well in advance, and their searches extend beyond standard school supplies and uniforms. An analysis of new search trends on the Dubizzle marketplace shows that parents are actively investing time and money in setting up complete study areas at home, with used furniture becoming a very popular choice.

The highest demand on the platform is observed in the category of desks. Furthermore, families are looking for ergonomic chairs, bookshelves, and ready-made desk and chair sets, reflecting a growing emphasis on creating specialized learning spaces at home.

Figures demonstrate the priorities of UAE families this season. Searches for chairs for desks showed a sharp increase of 1450 percent, while interest in bookshelves increased by 248 percent compared to the previous month's data.

The data also indicates a growing interest in multifunctional furniture, particularly loft beds with built-in desks, as households seek practical solutions that maximize space while supporting children's educational needs.

Alongside items for home study, buyers are increasingly turning to used and free furniture for lessons. The search for free study desks rose by 163 percentage points month-on-month, highlighting a growing tendency towards circular consumption as families aim to control back-to-school expenses while giving quality items a second life.

Matt Gregory, Senior Director of Strategy at Dubizzle, noted: 'Back-to-school purchases today go far beyond traditional school supplies. Families are planning ahead and preparing more thoughtfully for the new academic year, from creating comfortable study spaces at home to considering used furniture and learning materials.'

He added that there is also a greater openness to circular consumption. 'This allows consumers to save money while extending the lifespan of quality products,' he stated. 'It is a practical shift that benefits both families and the environment.'

School bags remain another significant area of demand. While everyday backpacks continue to be among the most sought-after items, interest in premium models is also growing. According to Dubizzle, searches for TUMI backpacks increased by almost 65 percent compared to last month, and Louis Vuitton backpacks are also among the most popular premium items. Some sellers are even listing items such as original Dior notebooks and Gucci backpacks ahead of the start of the school year.

In addition to furniture and accessories, textbooks are one of the most actively browsed categories, as parents and students look for affordable alternatives to buying new editions. Some parents are also searching for notebooks—sellers are listing both laptops and unused notebooks on the marketplace.

These results underscore a broader shift in consumer behavior, as residents of the UAE increasingly embrace re-commerce as a practical way to prepare for seasonal events. By choosing used furniture, textbooks, and school supplies, families are not only reducing costs but also helping to minimize waste, supporting a more circular economy.

In a note published on the Presidency of the Republic's website, the head of state mentioned that the decision taken took into account the deadline set for August 31, which the Portuguese State committed to meeting to achieve the goals of the PRR, under the risk of losing European funding linked to this specific reform.

António José Seguro expressed the view that the reform consolidates thirteen social supports into a single benefit, aiming to make the system more transparent, fair, and simplified. The President of the Republic argued that advancing in reducing bureaucracies, eliminating redundancies, and ensuring that aid reaches those who truly need it represents positive progress.

However, the President issued important warnings, emphasizing that a reform of this magnitude must prioritize people's protection and that no simplification process can result in a decrease in social coverage.

António José Seguro emphasized the need to ensure that no person is harmed regarding their current benefit status, dedicating special attention to the most vulnerable groups, such as low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. He highlighted that social benefits are crucial for combating exclusion and poverty.

Additionally, he referred to a recent OECD study, which pointed out that the value of social benefits remains low and has been insufficient in tackling poverty. Finally, the head of state stressed the importance of strengthening municipal autonomy to implement this reform, which requires adequate reinforcement of resources, especially financial ones.

Last June, the Assembly of the Republic approved the creation of the PSU, a decision ratified by the President of the Republic on July 17. Subsequently, the Council of Ministers sanctioned the decree-law establishing the Single Social Benefit (PSU) on July 30, which has since been promulgated.

The promulgation of this decree-law occurred on the same day that the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security ensured that the PSU will raise or maintain support for approximately 94% of future beneficiaries. Regarding future recipients, there will be a reduction in benefits for 6% of families, while the other 64% will receive aid higher than what they currently have. This means that about one-third of new beneficiaries will have the same support in the new regime as they had in the previous one.

According to the Government, the main groups whose conditions will be improved are families receiving RSI, large households, and beneficiaries of parental subsidies, orphan's pensions, and widow's pensions. In a press release, the Ministry, led by Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, guaranteed that none of the current beneficiaries of the 13 benefits consolidated by the PSU will be negatively affected by the new system.