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Doha, Qatar: Shops and malls across Qatar continue to experience strong footfall as parents and students complete last-minute purchases of school essentials, even after classes resumed for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Students returned to classrooms on Sunday, August 30, marking the official start of the new academic year. Despite the opening of schools, retail outlets remain busy with families still acquiring uniforms, stationery, bags, shoes, lunchboxes and other required items.
Major shopping destinations, including hypermarkets, specialised stationery stores and malls, reported sustained demand over the weekend and into the early days of the term. Parents were seen filling shopping carts with notebooks, pens, backpacks and school shoes, while others focused on completing uniform sets or replacing worn items.
Retailers have extended many of their back-to-school promotions to capitalise on the lingering demand. Dedicated sections for school supplies remain well-stocked, with attractive displays of colourful stationery, durable bags and practical accessories drawing shoppers of all ages. Hypermarkets have particularly benefited, as families combine school shopping with grocery purchases in a single visit.
One parent shopping at a major mall said her family had prioritised essentials before the first day of school but still needed additional items once classes began. “We bought most of the list last week, but the children needed extra notebooks and a new water bottle after the first day. It is convenient that the shops still have everything available,” she noted.
Another father observed that the wide range of options across neighbourhood stores and larger retail centres made the final purchases straightforward. “You do not have to travel far. There are stationery shops near home and bigger outlets in the malls with good offers. We managed to finish everything without much hassle,” he said.
The continued activity reflects the practical realities of the new school year. Some students require replacements after the first days of use, while others complete lists that were only partially filled earlier. Retailers have responded by maintaining staff levels and ensuring key items remain in stock.
School uniforms and sportswear continue to feature among the most sought-after products, alongside basic stationery. Notebooks and writing materials remain high in demand, even as digital tools play a growing role in education. Many stores have also highlighted value packages and multi-buy deals aimed at families with more than one child.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education confirmed that preparations for the academic year were completed smoothly, with approximately 148,000 students welcomed at public schools and kindergartens. Private schools similarly opened on schedule, contributing to the overall return to routine across the country.
As the first full week of classes progresses, retail activity is expected to gradually ease. However, the current momentum demonstrates the resilience of the back-to-school shopping season in Qatar, with parents ensuring their children are fully equipped for the months ahead.
Shoppers are advised to check remaining promotions at major outlets, as many campaigns remain valid through early September.
