Mid-term camps cost up to Dh1.5k per week

As the half-term break begins, some UAE parents are forking out over Dh1,500 a week for midterm camps that run just a few hours a day.

- Nandini Sircar

The break for most international schools is set for October 13 to 17, 2025.

However, not all families are sold on the idea, with some questioning whether the camps match their child’s interests — or whether the cost and logistics are worth it.

From high-priced structured programmes to short family getaways or simply letting children rest, parents in the UAE are taking a variety of approaches to juggling work, school breaks, and children’s activities.

"For me, it’s peak season — Halloween is one of the busiest times at work. So, if I can send my kids to a camp where they’re occupied for a few hours in the morning, it really helps. That’s primarily my reason," said Bhavna Mulchandani, mother of two boys and Marketing Director at Party Zone LLC. "Honestly, the weather isn’t great yet, and if they’re home, they end up spending too much time on screens. At least at camp, they’re active, playing sports, and those five to six hours are well spent."