Parents in the UAE are raising concerns over the high costs of spring break camps for their children, with some charging as much as Dh1,500 per week for programmes that last only a few hours each day.
The spring break for most international schools will run for three weeks, from March 24 to April 14, 2025, while Indian schools are closing for the end of their academic year. This break coincides with the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, which will take place from March 29 to April 1.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Bhavya Rao, a mother of two, shared her perspective. “I’m enrolling my seven-year-old daughter in an Eco Arts and Crafts camp, where she’ll take part in activities like gardening, fireless cooking, group reading, and sustainable exploration. The camp costs Dh850, but at least she’ll stay engaged, learning new skills, rather than spending her time in front of the television.”
Meanwhile, her younger child, who is nearly four, will attend a dance camp from 8.30am to 3.30pm, which costs Dhs 900 for five days.”It’s a great way for both of them to stay active during the break,” Rao explained.
“Since (my husband and I) work until the evening, we’ve arranged transportation, which adds another Dh500 to Dh600. The total cost then comes to up to Dh2,500, which is quite a significant amount.
“But at least they’ll be spending their time productively rather than being idle at home. Otherwise, it’s quite challenging to include physical activity in their day without a structured camp, when the school is off,” added Rao.
Despite the high cost, many parents see the wide variety of camp options in Dubai as a positive aspect of the city. Parents appreciate the opportunity to choose from camps tailored to various age groups and skill levels, with programmes led by experienced professionals.
Moldovan expat Ion Rusu expressed his satisfaction, saying, “My wife and I both work and we’re usually out until around 6 to 6.30 pm. So we need a place for our sons, who are 7 and 11, to spend their time productively.”
“They’re interested in coding, so we’ve been looking into specialised AI and Technology camps. One option near us offers a two-hour morning session for Dh1,200 per child, focused on design and hybrid mobile app development,” he noted, adding: “Although it’s expensive, costing Dh2,400 for both, we’re signing up for it since both of them are genuinely interested in it, and it will keep them engaged in a constructive way. So, we are fine with it.”
On the other hand, some parents are opting not to send their children to camps this year, particularly those with children fasting during Ramadan.
Palestinian expat Mariam Kahlil explained, “Normally, I enroll my kids in spring camps, but this year, since my older child is fasting, I’ve decided against it. I also find these camps to be quite expensive and not offering much long-term benefit.”
She added that the logistics of managing transportation during Ramadan further influenced her decision. “Instead, I plan to provide my 11-year-old with engaging educational worksheets to keep him occupied, while I’ll buy fun DIY kits and craft materials for my six-year-old daughter to ensure she stays entertained and busy.”
© Khaleej Times
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