Makeup, recycled bottles: What UAE students are adding to back-to-school shopping lists

As the new school year approaches in the UAE, students are adding unique items like makeup and products made from recycled bottles to their back-to-school shopping lists. This shift signals a growing interest in personal style and environmental consciousness among the younger generation.

Beyond traditional stationery and uniforms, parents are finding themselves budgeting for items that cater to their children's evolving preferences. The inclusion of makeup, for instance, points to a desire for self-expression, while the demand for items made from recycled materials highlights an awareness of sustainability issues.

This trend suggests that back-to-school shopping is becoming a more personalized experience, reflecting not only academic needs but also social and environmental values. Educators and parents alike are observing these changes as students prepare to return to classrooms, bringing their updated priorities with them.