As financial pressures mount on some families in the UAE amid ongoing regional tensions, schools say they are offering solutions such as installment plans, direct dialogue, and personalized agreements to ensure students' education remains uninterrupted.

The issue resurfaced after popular radio host Kris Fade criticized the way his daughters' school communicated regarding unpaid tuition. In a video, he said the school had sent a notice stating his daughters could face a three-day suspension if third-term fees were not paid. Fade emphasized that the issue was not a refusal to pay, but rather the school's method of communicating with the family.

His remarks resonated widely with parents who are facing job uncertainty, unpaid leave, and rising living costs alongside school fees.

Schools, in turn, state they have their own financial obligations, including staff salaries, campus maintenance, and maintaining educational quality. However, many educational institutions emphasize that they take an empathetic and case-by-case approach when dealing with families facing financial difficulties.

Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education, said the group's schools work with families through continuous dialogue, payment plans tailored to their circumstances, and practical support pathways to alleviate short-term pressures and ensure the continuity of students' education.

He emphasized that each family's situation is reviewed individually and that early communication, open dialogue, and mutual trust are essential for finding practical solutions.

In this regard, Asmal Ahmed, CEO of Woodlem Education, said the group's payment structure is designed based on monthly installments so that families are not forced to pay large sums at the beginning of the term. According to him, this method helps parents manage tuition obligations without severe financial pressure.

Swiss International Scientific School Dubai also announced that parents facing financial difficulties can speak directly with the school. School officials say that, if necessary, flexible installment plans and in-person or telephone meetings are arranged to review the families' circumstances.

However, schools emphasize that there must be clear and transparent communication with parents regarding tuition obligations, as payment delays can affect matters such as the issuance of report cards, student transfers, and re-enrollment.

This approach aligns with the position of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which emphasizes transparency in school-family communication while maintaining commitment to tuition obligations. According to regulations, tuition remains payable for the period during which educational services were provided or available, even if education was conducted through distance learning or an alternative method approved by the KHDA.