Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia aims to expand sports halls in public schools for girls, local media reported.

The Quality of Life program and the Education Ministry intend to launch an initiative to increase the number of sports halls in girls’ schools around Saudi Arabia to 560 sports halls.

According to Akhbar 24, an official source at the program, said the initiative aims to develop and equip the sports halls in all girls’ schools.

The halls, in addition, will help train physical education teachers, so that female students can enjoy a healthy, unique lifestyle.

The official source said that the initiative will be implemented during the period following Eid Al-Fitr.

The number of current sports halls in girls’ schools in Saudi Arabia reaches about 170. The initiative aims in increasing the number to reach 590 sports halls.

It is noteworthy that the addition of sports education in girls’ schools witnessed a wide turnout in the past years.

In 2017 the former Minister of Education Dr. Ahmed Al-Issa issued a decision to start implementing physical education program in girls’ schools, in accordance with the capabilities available in each school.

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 contributed to increasing the practice of sports, as one of its goals was to raise the rate of practicing sports in society, which includes women.

The numbers are expected to reach one million Saudi athletes during the next 15 years. In 2011, Saudi Arabia enabled women to attend matches. It allocated 15% of the stands for them.

Saudi women’s football also witnessed tangible successes. In 2023, the Saudi Arabian Women’s Football National Team was included in the official FIFA World Ranking for the very first time.