In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week
After the summer break, during which many parents travelled with their children for the holidays, it is time to polish those shoes and lay out the uniform for the first day of school on Monday.
But there are many things to consider when it comes to sending your child to school for the new academic year.
Where can you get more affordable clothing, or how can you avoid the dreaded school run traffic?
Host Sarah Forster speaks to The National's Enas Refaei, a mother of two, to find out.
Read more
Back to school: Five ways to help children beat summer brain drain
Hundreds of Dubai volunteers help low-income families prepare for school return
Preparations for new school year in UAE – in pictures
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The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai prepares to welcome pupils for the new term. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Angelique De Leeuw, a KG2 teacher, prepares her classroom at the Swiss International Scientific School. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ashraf prepares new desks in a classroom at the Swiss International Scientific School. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Members of staff meet before welcoming back pupils for the new term. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Back-to-school essentials at Typo before the new term starts. City Centre, Deira, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Shona Gastaldi, head of primary school at Swiss International Scientific School, checks a display. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Fiona Ryan, left, deputy head early years, and Ivorie Badua, early years secretary, check a display. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Back-to-school essentials at City Centre, Deira. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sangita cleaning ukuleles in the music room at the Swiss International Scientific School. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Back-to-school products, City Centre, Deira, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Hannah Hepworth, deputy head early years, prepares the library. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
New uniforms being being bought at Stitches in Al Quoz, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Sales staff at Stitches in Al Quoz, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
New uniforms for the start of the new school year at Stitches in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Leonora Wihl, six, Grade 2, and her mother try on school uniforms at Repton School in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Omar Al Kahloot, 11, Grade 6, tries on school uniforms at Repton School in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Timothy Zaitsev, 10, a Grade 5 pupil at Repton School in Abu Dhabi, tries on uniforms with his mother. Victor Besa / The National -
A uniform clerk at Repton School in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Eliza McGhie, seven, Grade 3 and parents order school uniforms at Repton School in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
