Dubai intensifies retail inspections as back-to-school shopping season begins

Dubai intensifies retail inspections as back-to-school shopping season begins

Dubai's Consumer Protection Department has launched comprehensive inspection campaigns across retail outlets, markets and shopping centres as the back-to-school season gains momentum, with the new academic year set to begin on August 31, 2026.

Ahmad Ahli, Acting Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, confirmed that inspection teams have initiated extensive field operations covering major retail outlets throughout the shopping period.

The campaigns aim to verify that advertised discounts are genuine, prices are clearly displayed and retailers do not engage in misleading commercial practices. Teams are also monitoring compliance with exchange and refund policies, ensuring that promotional terms and conditions are transparently communicated to shoppers.

Significant spending ahead for families

With approximately three weeks remaining before schools reopen, UAE parents face substantial education-related expenses. According to recent estimates, families can expect to spend between AED 2,000 and AED 10,000 per child on back-to-school essentials excluding tuition fees, depending on individual preferences and needs.

The financial pressure comes despite private school fees in Dubai remaining frozen for the 2026-27 academic year following a directive from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, a measure designed to ease the burden on households.

Retailers have responded with promotional campaigns offering discounts ranging from 30 percent to as much as 80 percent across categories including stationery, technology, backpacks and other school supplies.

Shopping advice for families

Ahli urged families to plan purchases carefully and avoid being influenced by promotional offers without first assessing whether products are genuinely needed and represent good value.

A well-informed consumer balances price with quality, compares offers from different retailers and protects their rights by keeping receipts and warranty documents.

He advised households to prepare a shopping list before visiting stores to focus on essential items and avoid unnecessary purchases driven by attractive discounts. Setting a budget in advance helps manage spending more effectively amid the wide variety of products and promotions currently available.

Consumers should compare prices across different stores rather than purchasing from the first retailer they encounter, as discounts and accompanying offers can vary significantly. The real value of a promotion lies in the final price, product quality and suitability, rather than the advertised discount percentage alone.

Electronic purchases and warranties

For electronic devices such as laptops and tablets, Ahli urged shoppers to verify that products carry an official warranty, understand warranty terms and authorised service centres, and retain all purchase documents for future reference.

When shopping online, consumers should buy only from trusted retailers, carefully read product descriptions, review customer ratings and understand exchange and return policies before completing payment. Using secure payment methods and keeping order confirmations and electronic receipts is essential, as invoices serve as crucial documents for warranty claims, exchanges or consumer complaints.

Under UAE consumer protection regulations, shoppers have the right to a refund, replacement or repair on defective goods within 14 days of purchase, and retailers are legally required to accept returns for defective products regardless of posted policies.

Scale of the market

The back-to-school shopping period represents a major retail event in Dubai, where 227 private schools currently educate 387,441 students from 185 nationalities. The campaigns are designed to strengthen consumer confidence in the retail market during this critical period.

Ahli encouraged shoppers to retain receipts and report any violations they encounter to help safeguard consumer rights and improve compliance. Consumers can report violations through the Consumer Protection hotline 600 545555, the Dubai Consumer Rights app, or the website consumerrights.gov.ae.

He also suggested involving children in preparing shopping lists to help promote responsible spending habits and teach them the difference between needs and wants, as well as the importance of caring for school supplies.

Shopping early in the season gives families a wider choice of products, helps them avoid crowds and reduces the risk of essential school items selling out as the start of the academic year approaches.