Back-to-school in Dubai: 8 prep hacks every parent needs to tick off on their checklist now

Don't wait until school morning panic; check everything this weekend itself

Last updated:
Lakshana N Palat, Assistant Features Editor
3 MIN READ
A quick, stress-free guide for Dubai parents with 8 essential back-to-school prep hacks to tackle before the first day.
A quick, stress-free guide for Dubai parents with 8 essential back-to-school prep hacks to tackle before the first day.
Pexels.com

It’s back-to-school season, and you’re probably asking yourself: Have you really done everything?

We get it, one moment you’re enjoying the weekend, and the next, school morning is knocking, demanding backpacks, lunchboxes, and perfectly ironed uniforms.

To help you sail smoothly into the first week without stress, we’ve put together the family checklist. Have you ticked everything off yet?

 Uniforms and shoes checked

 Start with the obvious, your children’s uniforms. Don’t wait until school morning to discover a shirt has shrunk in the wash or a pair of shoes is mysteriously missing. Try everything on this Sunday. Make sure socks, belts, and even school sports kits are ready. Bonus tip: Check for lost buttons and pack a small sewing kit for emergencies.

Bags packed and labelled

Backpacks, lunchboxes, pencil cases, everything should have a home and a label. Colour-coded labels for each child can save a lot of last-minute drama. Make it fun: let children stick their own name tags or decorate their bags for a personal touch.

Sleep schedule reset

After a long summer, children’s sleep routines can be all over the place. Start Sunday night. An early bedtime, minimal screen time, and calming rituals like a bath or storytime help reset their body clocks before the first day.

Homework and study materials ready

Organise notebooks, textbooks, planners, and any assignment folders. Check which supplies need replenishing. A study station setup ensures children have everything in one place, reducing last-minute panics.

Emotional check-in

This weekend might be a good time for a family chat. Ask how your children feel about the new term, discuss worries, and set positive intentions for the week. Even a small pep talk can ease anxiety and make them feel supported.

Parent prep

Don’t forget yourself! Check your own calendar, set alarms, and prep coffee. A calm parent is the secret ingredient for a smooth morning. If you’re relaxed, the kids will feel it too.

Extra school supplies

Nothing derails a school morning faster than a missing pencil or a forgotten calculator. Before the first day, do a full sweep of supplies—pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, notebooks, and art materials. Pro tip: label everything so nothing mysteriously disappears into the black hole of the backpack. Check subject-specific items too, geometry sets, scientific calculators, or sketchbooks, so your child isn’t scrambling on day one. And don’t forget the fun extras: colourful highlighters, glitter pens, or funky sticky notes make studying more enjoyable. Stock up now and watch mornings run smoother, stress-free, and maybe even a little exciting.

The lunchbox fun

School mornings in Dubai can be hectic, but lunches and snacks don’t have to be. Prep simple, healthy options ahead of time, such as mini-wraps, fruit skewers, or bite-sized veggies with dips. Keep hydration fun: reusable water bottles, colourful straws, or a splash of fruit juice turn drinking water into a treat. Involve your children, —they’ll love picking their favourite fruits or decorating their snack boxes.

Lakshana N PalatAssistant Features Editor
Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. She covers a wide range of stories—from community and health to mental health and inspiring people features. A passionate K-pop enthusiast, she also enjoys exploring the cultural impact of music and fandoms through her writing.
Related Topics:

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next