90% decline in school uniform sales

Officials at outlets selling school uniforms confirmed the decline in demand by parents of students, as the purchase rate decreased by more than 90%, compared to what it was in the same period last year, pointing out that the uniforms designated for students do not include the “kandura” for the first time this year.

The Ministry of Education has identified 149 outlets that sell approved school uniforms for Emirati school students nationwide. The outlets are distributed in: Abu Dhabi (76 outlets), Dubai (22 outlets), Sharjah (17 outlets), Ajman (8 outlets), and Umm Al Quwain (3 outlets). ), Ras Al Khaimah (13 outlets), and Fujairah (10 outlets).

The “School Uniforms for the 2020/2021 Academic Year” guide, which was recently approved by the Ministry, explained that prices start at 25 dirhams for a sports shirt for kindergarten students, males and females, and reach 139 dirhams for a “Jacket for the third cycle – females.” The guide detailed the pieces. The school uniform, except that it was devoid of the “kandura”.

In response to a question about not adopting the “kandura” as part of the school uniform for the new academic year, the Ministry of Education stated that appropriate and practical designs have been approved for school uniforms for the new academic year, for all government school students nationwide, according to specific specifications that contribute to achieving a set of goals. Educational education is meeting modern learning requirements, enabling students to achieve active and interactive learning, being consistent with security and safety requirements in scientific laboratories and applied workshops, and urging and encouraging students to excel and advance, by taking into account educational needs. For various specializations and tracks, within the Emirati School, and providing practical and model school uniforms, compatible with modern educational standards.

He stressed that this comes in line with the specificity and requirements of the educational process, and to achieve its objectives at the various levels of study, and to ensure a stimulating and supportive environment for learning for the student, taking into account the necessity of providing a school uniform that takes into account his needs.

Sales outlets reported to Emirates Today, including: Yacoub Trade Centre, Khonji Fashion House, and Dantine Trading, that school uniform sales are witnessing a significant decline, exceeding 90%, compared to school uniform sales in the same period last year, attributing this to hesitation. Parents of students regarding the acquisition of uniforms, as they are not completely sure that the approved study system will be “education in schools,” and that what is most likely so far is that it will be “distance education.” They pointed out that they had proposed ways to attract students and their families to buy uniforms, including: “custom-made” and “home delivery,” but this did not stimulate the sales process, noting that the students’ families are not concerned about running out of the quantities of school clothing offered, due to the multiple outlets. The sale is nationwide, and therefore the student’s guardian is certain that he will find school uniforms available, if the Ministry of Education decides that education will be within schools. They added that the stagnation in the sale of school uniforms places great financial burdens on their outlets, with no return. They pointed out that the school uniform is devoid of the “kandura” this year, and is limited to the sports uniform, shirt, trousers, and jacket for males, in addition to the “skirt” and shirt for females, along with shoes, noting that the ministry removed the “kandura” from the school uniform, last academic year. In the middle grades.

Parents: There is no need for uniforms if “distance education” is adopted.

Parents of students confirmed that they will not buy school uniforms, until the final decision regarding determining the study system in the new academic year becomes clear to them, noting that there is no need to buy school uniforms if the distance education system is adopted, because students will not need them to wear them at home, in addition to That purchasing it will only increase the financial burden on families.

Parents of students hesitated about purchasing the uniform, as they were not completely sure that the approved study system would be “education in schools.”