How I Pack My Kids’ School Bags for UAE Summers

A real GCC mom’s guide to surviving the heat, the hustle, and the daily school bag drama

Hey fellow moms,

If you're living in the UAE or anywhere across the GCC, you already know that packing a school bag isn't just about notebooks and snacks — it’s a strategy. Between the scorching heat, long school hours, and extra-curriculars, our kids need bags that are prepared for anything.

Over the years (and after way too many melted snacks and leaky bottles), I’ve figured out a simple system that works. Here's how I pack my kids’ school bags to help them beat the heat — and help me stay sane.

1. Start with the Right Backpack

Not all backpacks are created equal — especially in this climate.

I always go for something:
✅ Water-resistant (because juice boxes love to explode)
✅ Padded in the back for comfort
✅ Structured with compartments — so everything doesn’t end up in one tangled mess

Right now, we’re loving the Pterosugar Blue and Unicorn Lashes from CUBS — not just because they’re cute, but because they last. And the SBS zippers? Smooth like magic.

2. Lunch Bag: Cool is the Rule

In Gulf weather, food can go from fresh to funky real quick. I always pack:

• A CUBS insulated lunch bag (our favorite is Strawberry Love)
• A frozen mini water bottle to keep things cool inside
• Snacks in reusable containers that seal tight (goodbye, squashed bananas)

💡 Mom Hack: Freeze half a juice box the night before — it’s a snack and an ice pack.

3. Water Bottle Musts

Hydration is no joke here. My non-negotiables:

• Leak-proof lid
• Easy to open and refill
• Fits perfectly in the side pocket of the backpack

Trust me, it’s worth testing this before school starts — one too-big bottle = one soaked math book.

4. Pencil Case = Chaos Control

Markers, erasers, that one random dinosaur figurine… you never know what’ll show up.
I go for pencil cases that are:

• Wide and zip smoothly
• Easy to wipe clean
• Fun enough that they want to keep them organized

We’ve had the Monster Party case for two terms now — still going strong.

5. Extras I Always Pack (That Save My Day)

✔️ Mini pack of tissues
✔️ A clean spare face mask (if required by the school)
✔️ Hair ties (because... always)
✔️ A folded cap for after-school pickup

Optional but recommended: a tiny zip pouch for “just in case” items like plasters or hand wipes.

6. Let Them Help (Within Limits 😅)

My life changed when I let my kids help pack — but gave them guidelines.
Now they pick their snacks and pencil case, but I handle the essentials.
It makes them feel independent, and mornings are way less chaotic.

Plus, when they choose their own gear (like the Jurassic Park or Lollipop sets), they’re actually excited to pack their bag!

Final Thoughts: Prep = Peace

Packing for school in the GCC isn’t just routine — it’s survival. But with the right gear, a little planning, and a few clever hacks, you can make mornings smoother, bags lighter, and snacks fresher (most of the time 😅). 

💛 Want to try my go-to gear?

Check out some of our summer-proof picks from CUBS:
🎒 Backpacks for All Ages https://cubsgoplaces.ae/collections/school-gear
🍱 Insulated Lunch Bags https://cubsgoplaces.ae/collections/lunch-bags
✏️ Pencil Cases That Keep Up https://cubsgoplaces.ae/collections/pencil-cases

Got your own UAE mom tips? Drop them in the comments — let’s make school mornings a little brighter for each other 💬