As school summer holidays begin in the UAE, many families are once again grappling with how to keep their children entertained, active, and engaged in productive activities during the hot summer months without straining the household budget.

Rising cost of camps

Summer camps remain a primary option for working parents to ensure childcare and fill leisure time. However, rising costs have made selecting these programs increasingly difficult, particularly for families with multiple children.

In the UAE, prices for basic programs start at approximately AED 300 per week. However, specialized camps focusing on coding, robotics, sports, arts, content creation, game design, or creative skills can exceed AED 6,000 per month per child.

Choosing the right program

Parents note that the challenge extends beyond cost; finding a safe, reliable program that aligns with a child’s interests and needs is equally important. Families must balance educational quality, safety, location, daily schedules, and overall expenses.

Concerns over excessive screen time

A major concern for parents during the summer is the increase in time children spend on tablets, video games, and online platforms. Many families believe that without structured programs, children spend the majority of their day in front of screens.

Growing demand for skill-based camps

Consequently, skill-based camps offering training in pottery, photography, videography, podcasting, coding, and game design have gained popularity. Hybrid camps that combine education and sports, such as morning coding sessions followed by afternoon football or swimming, are also in high demand.

Financial pressure on families

Some parents report that the cost of a suitable camp can reach between AED 900 and AED 1,000 per week per child. Enrolling two children in a month-long program can cost between AED 12,000 and AED 15,000.

Conclusion

The rising cost of summer camps indicates that school holidays in the UAE have become a complex period requiring significant financial, educational, and logistical planning for many families.