There are two kinds of people when school starts again: those who have colour-coded the timetable, labelled every pencil and packed the school bag three days in advance… and those who are still wondering where the children’s water bottles disappeared to. Ah, just back to school things right? Either way, back to school is officially here. The summer holidays are over, uniforms are back in circulation and parents everywhere are discovering that apparently children need to eat three times a day. Who knew? Thankfully, a few restaurants in Dubai seem to understand the assignment. There are some rather tempting back to school deal for kids, and these are the ones that caught my eye this week.
Back To School Deal #1: Free milkshake at The ThickShake Factory
Because nothing says well done for surviving the first week of school quite like a milkshake.
The ThickShake Factory is offering a free milkshake for kids below 10 years old (all the way until October) as part of its back-to-school treat. You can find the Dubai outlets including Bay Avenue, Business Bay and JVC, District 12.
Honestly, I support this. If adults are allowed coffee as emotional support, children can have milkshakes.
Back To School Deal #2: Unlimited buffet from AED 29 at Barbeque Nation
Next up is one for the entire family, because once school starts, parents deserve to eat too.
Barbeque Nation is running an unlimited buffet starting from AED 29, with the offer valid until September 28. The Dubai outlets include Al Barsha, Al Karama, Al Ghurair Centre and Silicon Central Mall in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Barbeque Nation – Dubai – Al Barsha Barbeque Nation – AL KARAMA Barbeque Nation – Al Ghurair Centre Barbeque Nation – Silicon Central Mall
AED 29 for an unlimited buffet? That is the sort of sentence that makes you suspicious, excited and suddenly very hungry at the same time.
Back To School Deal #3: Free Nutella Maki at Moshi
If your child believes sushi is basically dessert wearing a disguise, this one’s for them.
Moshi is offering free Nutella Maki for children who turn up in school uniform, with the offer available when you purchase any food item.
You can find the participating Moshi outlets in Al Barsha, JLT and Dubai Silicon Oasis. Moshi restaurant Barsha Moshi JLT Moshi
So yes, the school uniform that you spent an unreasonable amount of time ironing can now earn them dessert. Finally, a return on investment.
Back To School Deal #4: Free fries and a drink at Firehouse Subs
At Firehouse Subs, students can show a valid student ID and get free fries and a drink with their meal.
There are several Dubai locations, including JLT, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Ghurair Centre in Deira. Firehouse Subs JLT Cluster R Firehouse Subs Silicon Oasis Central Mall Firehouse Subs Al Ghurair Centre
Which means the student ID has officially graduated from being something you show at school to something that gets you fries. Priorities.
Back To School Deal #5: Free Eugenie biscuits at Ladurée
And finally, something a little more Parisian.
Ladurée is giving children a free box of Eugenie biscuits when they turn up in their school uniform, and the offer is valid until September 30.
You can find Ladurée at Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Hills Mall, among its Dubai locations. Ladurée Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue Ladurèe Ladurée Dubai Hills
And really, if the children have to go back to homework, early mornings and the mysterious disappearance of socks, they might as well have a box of fancy French biscuits waiting for them.
So there you have it: milkshakes, buffets, Nutella Maki, fries, drinks and biscuits — because apparently the secret to surviving back-to-school season is feeding everyone.
And if that doesn’t work, there is always September half-term to look forward to.
Offer availability, participating outlets and terms may vary, so it’s worth checking with the restaurant before heading out. Which back to school deal in Dubai are you trying first?