UAE Mid-Term Break Camps: Are They Worth the Cost for Your Child?
As the October mid-term break approaches, a familiar question arises for UAE parents: how to best keep their children engaged, active, and away from screens. For a growing number of families, the answer lies in enrolling them in short-term school camps, with many investing upwards of Dh1,500 per week for structured activities.
With most UAE international schools scheduling their break from October 13 to 17, 2025, a vibrant market of camps, workshops, and programmes competes for attention. While some parents see them as an essential enrichment tool, others are weighing the benefits against the cost and logistical effort.
The Case for Camps: Structure and Peace of Mind
For working parents, mid-term camps are a practical childcare solution during a busy time. Bhavna Mulchandani, a mother who opts for a multi-sport programme, explains, “If I can send my kids to a camp where they’re occupied for a few hours in the morning, it really helps.” She chooses a three-day option at Dh550, noting that a full week costs Dh850. With a sibling discount, she pays Dh990 for both children, valuing the exposure to diverse physical activities.
Other parents seek out camps with a specific educational or creative focus. Laila Daouk is enrolling her 5- and 7-year-olds in the Time Trek Camp at OliOli, attracted by its hands-on, immersive environment. Costing between Dh890 and Dh1,190 per child, Daouk believes these experiences allow her children to spend their time meaningfully while she manages her work commitments.
The Other Side: Why Some Families Opt Out
Despite the popularity, not all families are convinced. Some prefer using the break for short getaways, family time, or a relaxed schedule at home.
Shun Khin Shun Lae Tha, a Myanmar expat, is planning a two- to three-day trip to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. She appreciates that her daughter is now independent enough to enjoy self-directed play and gymnastics. A significant concern for her is that many camps use broad age groupings that may not cater to a child’s specific developmental level.
American expat Natalia Miranda is also forgoing camps. She has planned a mix of light outdoor play, boxing sessions, and continued tuition in core subjects. Citing major events like GITEX and increasing academic pressure, she sees the break as a crucial time for rest and prefers to avoid the logistical challenges of camp schedules.
Key Factors for Parents Choosing UAE School Camps
Before enrolling, parents are carefully balancing several considerations:
Cost vs. Benefit: With weekly fees often exceeding Dh1,500, families must decide if the camp’s offerings provide sufficient value. Is the experience unique enough to justify the price tag?
Relevance and Fit: There’s a risk that a camp’s curriculum may not align with a child’s interests. Parents are wary of overly broad age brackets that don’t tailor activities to their child’s specific stage.
Logistics and Timing: Traffic, work schedules, and camp proximity are major factors. During a busy month, the added burden of drop-offs and pick-ups can outweigh the benefits for some.
Available Alternatives: Many families see the break as an opportunity for local travel, visiting attractions, or simply allowing children to recharge with unstructured downtime at home.
The Bottom Line: A Balanced Approach to the Mid-Term Break
Mid-term break camps in the UAE are a booming industry, driven by the dual need for engaging child enrichment and practical childcare. They represent a valuable solution for many, but they are not a one-size-fits-all answer.
The ideal mid-term break plan is as unique as the family itself. Whether through a structured camp, a short trip, or cherished downtime at home, the goal remains the same: to provide children with a refreshing pause, readying them to return to school re-energized and engaged.
