[Editor’s Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times’ Schools and Parents section, dedicated to helping UAE families navigate educational options with expert advice and parent insights.]
In the UAE, after-school activities have transformed from mere hobbies to vital components for children’s personal growth and future college opportunities.
Schools offer diverse clubs, from robotics to sports, with parents balancing busy schedules, budgets, and goals to support their children’s success.
Though schools provide at least one free activity per term, many sought-after Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), like specialist sports or coding, incur costs ranging from Dh100 per month for online sessions to over Dh250 per class for premium programs.
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Balancing enrichment opportunities with family budgets is crucial in the after-school routine.
Many schools in Dubai offer over 150 clubs, with options led by teachers or external specialists, combining free and paid activities in areas like coding, football, and performing arts.
1. Let Passion Drive, Not Pressure
Educators emphasize that CCAs and ECAs (extracurricular activities) should nurture genuine interests — not serve as childcare.
Wayne Howsen, Principal of The Aquila School, noted, “These are not childcare alternatives. Children should engage in activities they truly enjoy. ECAs foster life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, even multilingualism, as we offer language ECAs.
‘Let the child choose.’ We encourage children to select ECAs based on their interests,” said Howsen.
2. Know Your Free vs Paid CCAs
Most UAE schools offer at least one free CCA per term for primary classes, with extra free activities on a first-come-first-served basis. Paid CCAs are available, especially with external specialist partnerships.
Key points for parents:
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At least one guaranteed free CCA per term for younger classes.
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Additional free activities are limited in availability.
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Paid CCAs are scheduled throughout the week, often booked directly with providers.
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Waitlists are common — students are notified when spots open up.
3. Prepare for High Demand and Limited Spots
Competition for popular CCAs is fierce. Parents often log in as soon as booking links go live.
Nadia Arfaz explained, “Some CCAs fill up within minutes of the sign-up link going live. My daughter waited 1.5 years for ‘cooking without fire’. Schools should offer more slots for popular activities.”
4. Avoid Over-Scheduling
While securing popular activities is important, educators advise maintaining balance to prevent burnout.
Matthew Pearce, Principal at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, said, “A mistake I’ve seen is focusing only on popular clubs or over-scheduling. This can cause disappointment or stress. Balance is key — encourage your child to choose one activity they love, one to challenge them, and one to keep them active.”
5. Mix In-School and External Classes
Parents often combine school-based programs with external lessons to minimize travel and ensure variety.
Fatma Hakim shared: “Our son’s school offers a coding club and basketball team, reducing travel and ensuring he enjoys activities he loves.”
6. Get Your Money’s Worth
For many parents, supporting extracurricular activities is about balancing cost with value.
Chayanika Baruah said, “Encouraging our daughter to pursue Bharatnatyam, a classical Indian dance offered free by the school, was worthwhile because it aligns with her passion for dance.”
Chayanika Baruah
7. Plan, Plan, Plan
With traffic and commutes, scheduling activities can feel like a puzzle.
Talid Ahmed, father of two, said, “Our week is a puzzle. Monday is swimming near school, Wednesday is piano at home, and Friday is karate after lunch. Planning is key.”
Some families use digital planners and online lessons to save time. Suhas Nandi noted, “My son takes Arabic lessons online alongside tennis, swimming, and chess, which is flexible and engaging.”
8. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
The activity craze prompts parents to vet instructors, facilities, and class quality, prioritizing programs that build skills and character.
“Excelling in one or two activities is better than spreading thin across multiple clubs,” said American expat Natalia Miranda.
9. Beyond Grades: Colleges Value CAS and Leadership
Extracurriculars are crucial for college admissions.
Cristina De Sousa, a Portuguese parent, said, “My daughter Daria plans to study medicine. Colleges consider grades and CAS — Creativity, Activity, and Service — which highlights engagement beyond academics.”
Cristina De Sousa
A National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) survey shows nearly 50% of US colleges find extracurriculars ‘very important’ or ‘important’ in admissions.
Ayesha Siddique, Team Lead at Hale Education, noted, “Students should show depth over breadth in extracurriculars. Activities demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and impact over years tell a strong growth story.”
Peter Davos, CEO of Hale Education, added, “Among applicants with similar grades and scores, extracurricular achievement often makes a difference in admissions.”
