Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi public schools will begin offering physical education for girls in the coming academic year, the Education Ministry announced on Tuesday.

Minister of Education Ahmad Al-Isa issued orders to this effect, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The program will be implemented in line with the Shariah regulations and in a phased manner depending on the available capabilities of each public school.

Schools will arrange sports halls and hire qualified women physical education staff before introducing the program.

The ministry said that the decision has been taken in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to raise the percentage of those practicing sports and physical exercise by introducing more sports and recreational activities.

As per the order of the minister, a supervisory committee, headed by Dr. Haya Bint Abdulaziz Al-Awwad, undersecretary for girls’ education at the ministry, will be constituted to implement the program.

The committee will spell out the program’s goals, performance indexes, and a phased plan.

It will work in coordination with universities to train women specialists so as to qualify them to implement the program at girls’ schools.

The minister’s decision came following a study that took more than three months by a team of specialists.

“The happiness of citizens and expatriates comes at the top of the ministry’s priorities and this won’t be realized without enabling them to enjoy both physical, mental and social health, and thus realizing our vision of building a society whose members are blessed with a healthy life,” the ministry said in its announcement.

In 2015, the Shoura Council asked the Ministry of Education to consider adding in the curricula physical education programs that conform to Islamic regulations.

The Council also proposed to train teachers and qualify them to be instructors of these physical activities.

Earlier this year, the Council opened the door to licensing for women’s gyms.

In June 2013, Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated sports center for girls was formally opened, heralding more steps for women’s empowerment in the country.

The Shuora Council on Monday called for encouraging the private sector to establish fitness centers for women.

The decision stipulated that the centers provide a dedicated section for women with special needs.

The 150-member Council asked the General Authority of Sports to intensify community sports programs for both young men and women throughout the Kingdom and to provide regular reports, supported by figures, on the development of sports in society, including sports for women, Saudi news site Sabq reported.

The decision by the Council that comprises 30 female members will be a major boost for women who have been calling for the establishment of health and fitness centers.

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is seeking to address the issue by introducing more sports and leisure activities.