Top UAE stores and online sales to save on back-to-school essentialsLast updated: August 12, 2026 | 12:164 MIN READIf your child likes colourful designs and character-themed school supplies, R&B has a wide selection of back-to-school essentials.The new school year is getting closer, and families across the UAE are starting to tick items off their school shopping lists.Whether you need a new backpack, stationery, lunch box, water bottle or a pair of school shoes, retailers across the UAE are bringing out their back-to-school collections with offers to help make the shopping trip a little easier.Here are some of the places worth checking this August.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.R&B: Backpacks, lunch boxes and moreIf your child likes colourful designs and character-themed school supplies, R&B has a wide selection of back-to-school essentials.The collection includes school bags, backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, pencil cases and other everyday items. Some backpacks are priced from around DH 75, while smaller items such as snack boxes and water bottles start from around DH 15 and DH 20 respectively.There are also plenty of designs featuring popular characters, so children can choose something that matches their style.Where: R&B stores across the UAE and onlineDaiso Japan: Thousands of affordable school essentialsFor families looking to pick up several smaller items without spending too much, Daiso Japan is worth a look.Its back-to-school collection includes more than 5,000 items, with prices starting from DH 3. The range covers stationery, pencil cases, water bottles, lunch boxes, lunch bags and school bags.There are also plenty of colourful and character-themed designs, making it an easy place to find several school essentials under one roof.Where: Daiso Japan stores across the UAEBorders: For stationery and study suppliesFor students who still need to complete their stationery list, Borders is a useful stop.You can find notebooks, pens, pencils, folders and other study essentials, as well as items for students who want to organize their desks and study spaces.Borders is also currently offering an additional 10٪ off on online purchases, with same-day delivery available, making it an option for anyone who would rather finish their shopping from home.Where: Borders stores across the UAE and onlineAl Kabayel Prime: School essentials under one roofIf your shopping list is getting longer by the day, Al Kabayel Prime has a selection of school essentials in one place.The current back-to-school promotion includes items such as backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, stationery and other school supplies, with up to 50٪ off on selected products.It is a useful option for families who want to pick up several basics in one shopping trip.Where: Al Kabayel Prime branches, including Hessa Street in Al Barsha 3, DIP-1 and Cityland Mall, DubaiNesto: Deals on school bags and stationeryNesto is also joining the back-to-school shopping season with offers on school essentials.The current promotion includes items such as backpacks, trolley bags, shoes, stationery and other supplies. Some of the deals include backpacks from DH 29, while selected stationery items are also available at reduced prices. The promotion is running until August 31. Where: Nesto stores across the UAEDeerfields Mall: Back-to-school shopping in Abu DhabiFor families in Abu Dhabi who want to do most of their shopping in one place, Deerfields Mall has a Back to School campaign running from July 24 to September 13.The campaign brings together school-related shopping across the mall, giving families the chance to pick up different essentials during one visit.Where: Deerfields Mall, Abu DhabiADCOOP: Shop for school supplies and enter a draw