As over a million students prepare to return to classes across the UAE on Monday, parents are actively visiting electronics stores to purchase laptops, tablets, and accessories for the new academic year.
Retailers note high demand, leading many companies to launch promotions, exchange programs, and installment plans to help families manage expenses.
Pradip Mina, Head of Retail at Emax, reported that laptops remain the most sought-after device among students, though the choice depends on the age group. He emphasized that 'the most popular item requested by students is the laptop.'
He added that university students prioritize either a MacBook Pro or gaming devices capable of handling the high computational loads required for disciplines such as architecture and engineering. For 8th or 9th-grade students, he said, iPads and tablets are always in high demand. He also noted a growing interest in noise-canceling headphones, which help students concentrate on their studies even in noisy home environments.
Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky's Retail, confirmed a similar trend in his stores. He stated that parents of younger schoolchildren often prefer tablets due to their portability, ease of use, and effectiveness for educational platforms. However, for university students, laptops remain the preferred category.
Pradip advised parents to determine the expected lifespan of the device before purchasing, asking themselves: 'Do they plan to use this product for one year or for the next two or three years?' He also warned that university students should not buy an insufficiently powerful laptop that is outdated in terms of NPU, GPU, and CPU. Instead, he recommended choosing a device that will last for at least four years of study.
Ashish added that a suitable device should reflect the student's age, course requirements, and how it will be used daily. He also noted that over 70 percent of families shopping at Jacky's consider extended warranties and accidental damage coverage, which protects against screen cracks or liquid spills.
Furthermore, he observed that customers no longer view individual devices in isolation; they are increasingly considering the broader ecosystem and how a laptop or tablet will interact with smartphones, headphones, and other gadgets.
Several retailers have launched special offers to ease the financial burden on families. Emax offers 24-month interest-free installment plans, as well as payment options through Tabby and Tamara. Customers using certain bank cards may receive additional bonuses.
Sharaf DG has provided exchange programs and free gifts worth up to 500 dirhams when purchasing laptops and tablets, and students and teachers receive an additional five percent discount.
Jumbo Electronics is running a 'Back to School' promotion until September 14th, offering a 10 percent discount for students and teachers up to 300 dirhams, along with guaranteed gifts worth 600 dirhams on a minimum purchase.
Meanwhile, Jacky's is offering up to 30 percent off on tech items, including student laptops, monitors, accessories, and MacBooks.
Ashish noted that trade-in programs for old devices are becoming increasingly popular. He explained that trading in an old gadget can reduce the initial cost of a new one, which is beneficial for families buying multiple items at once.
Pradip added that buyers can exchange old devices for discounts. He stated that there has been a significant shift in mobile phone attitudes over the past three years, noting that 15–20 percent of customers now want to trade in old devices when purchasing new ones.
