Over the recent School Break in UAE , parents had to worry about high expenses as some parents paid as high as Dh1,500 weekly to put their kids in the school holiday camps. The half-term in the month of October this year, from the 13th to the 17th, 2025, has seen most parents enroll their kids in such planned activities to ensure the young boys and girls stay busy during the School Break in UAE.
The high cost of the holiday camps has caused some outcry among parents. On one hand, some regard the camps as an investment in their children’s future, but on the other, some can feel the cost pinch and question if the value is worth the high cost. Families, understandably, desire to see their children be productive during the holidays as opposed to idling away at home, but the fact remains that to some, the camps are a big cost burden.
Rising Camp Costs Burden Families During UAE School Break
Costs are said to range from Dh890 to Dh1,190 for minimum camp packages, and you can bet how fast that becomes prohibitively expensive particularly with families that have multiple kids. As one mother put it, she put her children into a Dh1,190-per-child camp because with her mornings working part-time, she wanted a secure environment where she could send her children during the afternoons.
But the pricey camps haven’t won over all minds as value for money. Some parents question if the activities actually align with their young ones’ interests or if the logistics are worth the limited hours the camps run each day. Spending thousands each week up to Dh4,500 per week applicable to families with several children has drawn raised eyebrows and debate about value for money.
This school recess aligns with the school schedule, and it gives families the chance to plan spirited activities. Some go on vacations, and others are turning to neighborhood camps. Since the parents had only five days to rest during the school schedule, most of them need activities with which to entertain the young ones.
Mixed Reactions Over Camp Value
Throughout the School Break in UAE, camps are of different sorts to include sports academies, science centers, and adventure parks. Most parents appreciate the skills camps related to kids’ programming, robotics, and arts which makes it really simple to select certain programs according to the specific interests and the developmental needs of the toddlers.
To handle the costs during this period, parents suggest making a financial plan that is very careful. They recommend that the various options should be compared as early as possible, since there are some camps that give discounts for early registration or for the second child. Families might also think of engaging the community center activities that could be less expensive and even arranging for playdates with their kids’ friends. Extra to that, free or very cheap entertainment is often provided by local libraries, museums, and parks, etc.
October Break Dates and School Schedules
For the future, parents are aware that the school vacations happen twice a year in the months of October and February, so they will be planning this seasonal expense. As the camps are growing ever more costly, some are clamoring for cheaper opportunities. Others are suggesting that the schools become involved to offer less pricey holiday programs, that the utilization of the community organizations could be maximized to allow family options.
Popular Camp Options and Activities
The UAE has a range of holiday camps offered by several organizations to the children during the School Break in UAE. The activities have been designed to cater to a wide range of age groups and interests. The popularity of the activities varies, but mainly Sports academies, art studios, science centers, and adventure parks are the most favorable ones. Different camps have different themes, which could be in the field of technology, creativity, or outdoor exploration.
Parents prefer children’s skills camp. There are some educational programs that consist of instruction in coding, robotics, and digital literacy. Some people are into the arts and crafts and along with sports, the area of development where children can have fun and learn. The variety offered makes it simpler for the families to select the camps that fit their children’s preferences and needs for development.
Financial Planning for School Breaks
School Break in UAE needs proper budgeting to manage expenses. Parents suggest early planning along with comparing different camps as the best way to go. Camps provide early bird discounts and sibling bundles that make the price lower and are thus more accessible to families. Choosing half-day courses rather than full-day ones can be a financial saving for families.
Moreover, community centre activities are among the less pricey alternatives to private camps. Some parents are fostering playdates and family group activities. The libraries, museums, and public parks are the places where you can spend the holidays for almost free or very little money.
Also Read: Best Study Destination for UAE Students: Finding the Perfect Place to Learn, Live, and Grow
