With the new academic year set to begin next month, retailers across the United Arab Emirates have introduced a wide array of back-to-school promotions. Shoppers can find discounts ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent on a diverse selection of goods, including stationery, technology, backpacks, groceries, and home study equipment.
Sharjah Cooperative is offering up to 50 per cent off hundreds of items. Faisal Khalid Al Nabooda, director of marketing and public relations, noted that the back-to-school season often strains family budgets, prompting the cooperative to expand its product range. Beyond traditional supplies, the campaign covers modern educational technology and healthy food options. The initiative, supported by a Dh2 million budget, also features a prize draw for customers spending Dh300 or more, with rewards including 15 vehicles and 100 gift cards worth Dh500 each, totaling Dh50,000.
Union Coop in Dubai is running its ‘Back to School 2026’ campaign from August 3 to September 13. The promotion covers over 1,000 products, offering up to 50 per cent off. CEO Mohamed Al Hashemi emphasized that the campaign complements the retailer’s year-round policy of maintaining fixed prices on 125 essential items, stating that stable pricing is vital for building long-term customer relationships. Additionally, Tamayaz members can participate in a daily prize draw for items like laptops and smartwatches by spending at least Dh200.
Technology-focused retailer Jumbo is holding its own campaign from August 7 to September 13, featuring discounts of up to 35 per cent on laptops, 30 per cent on tablets, and 50 per cent on monitors, projectors, and printers. The offer includes assured gifts valued between Dh250 and Dh600 on most laptop purchases, excluding Apple products. Students and teachers can access further discounts with valid identification, while customers can also benefit from maintenance packages, data transfer services, and flexible payment plans through providers like Tabby and Tamara.
Online marketplace Noon is participating with discounts of up to 80 per cent from August 14 to September 2. Mohamed Kameh, manager of growth and digital strategy, observed that while shoppers are increasingly value-conscious, they are also prioritizing durability and ergonomics. He noted that consumer baskets are evolving to include more home study setups and sportswear alongside standard stationery.
Al Adil Trading is providing discounts of up to 50 per cent on hundreds of school-related items. Founder and chairman Dr. Dhananjay Datar acknowledged that while manufacturing and logistics costs have driven prices up by five to 10 per cent compared to last year, promotional campaigns are helping to mitigate the impact on families. He added that consumers are increasingly planning their purchases in advance and seeking out bundled deals.
Other major retailers are also active in the market. Choithrams is offering savings of up to 60 per cent on over 850 products, with a focus on providing “genuinely useful back-to-school essentials at the right prices.” Brian Ballinger, head of commercial, highlighted strong demand for lunchbox items and healthy snacks. Meanwhile, Al Maya Supermarkets is offering up to 50 per cent off stationery and personal care products, with deputy CEO Kamal Vachani noting that the group has worked to absorb rising input costs to support customers. Lulu Retail is also participating in the seasonal push, offering discounts of up to 65 per cent across more than 30,000 products. The report also notes that the campaign also continues to give visibility to national products and Emirati brands by dedicating greater shelf space to them at a time of noticeably rising demand for school-related goods, reinforcing local products’ presence with consumers. The report also notes that support for national products, and the cooperative’s community role, within the Dh2 million total budget allocated for the campaign, al Nabooda said the initiatives form part of an integrated seasonal program combining daily family needs. The report also notes that the offer sits on top of something that does not end when the campaign does. The report also notes that including laptops, tablets, smartwatches, coffee machines, staycation vouchers and gym memberships, one member wins a daily prize across all 42 days. The report also notes that inclusive of VAT, qualifies for the daily draw, a single transaction of Dh200 or more. The report also notes that stay up to date with the latest news. The report also notes that “Many parents are hunting for bundles and installment options to make their budget go further, while another segment is leaning into premium picks, especially backpacks and stationery, prioritising brand, durability and ergonomics over price alone,” he said, adding that shopping baskets are expanding beyond stationery and backpacks to include home study setups, sportswear and everyday fashion. The report also notes that alongside price-point deals at Dh10, Dh20 and Dh30, choithrams is offering savings of up to 60 per cent on selected products.
Source: Khaleej Times
