Mandatory Physical Education in Abu Dhabi Schools
In Abu Dhabi Schools, Physical Education Is Mandatory – New Rules and Opportunities
The educational policy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken another significant step towards promoting students' health and physical activity. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced that a structured Physical Education (PE) curriculum will become mandatory in all schools across the emirate. This change is not only aimed at improving students' physical condition but also provides an opportunity for every child to participate in PE classes, even if they face personal or societal norms restrictions.
The essence of the changes
According to the new regulation, every school is required to implement a structured physical education curriculum led by qualified instructors. This means that PE will no longer be just an optional activity but an integral part of education. Students will need to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate or intense physical activity daily. Unlike past practices, parental consent will no longer suffice for a student to skip PE classes.
ADEK highlights that the changes aim to protect students' health in the long term. Previously, many students – especially girls – skipped PE classes either because they didn't like sweating or felt uncomfortable in mixed-gender classes. The new system mandates that schools offer alternative options for students who cannot or do not wish to participate in traditional PE classes. These options can include separate gender groups, private space choices, or even the offer of alternative sports activities.
Why is this change important?
The new regulation doesn't just make physical education mandatory but also implies that schools need to be flexible and consider students' individual needs. Previously, PE teaching was unregulated, and often unqualified instructors led classes. However, under the new system, every PE teacher must hold proper qualifications, and classes must be conducted within a predetermined framework.
According to ADEK, this change is crucial for maintaining students' health. A lack of physical activity can lead to severe health issues over time, and schools must ensure that every student can participate in some form of physical education. The new regulation allows students to take part in not only traditional sports but also activities that better suit their individual needs.
How does the role of schools change?
According to the new regulation, schools must implement these changes by September 2026. Institutions not complying with the new requirements could face financial penalties. ADEK says most schools already have physical education programs, but under the new regulation, these programs need to be more structured and mandatory.
Previous international curricula such as the American or French included PE classes, but their implementation varied widely. However, under the new regulation, all schools must adhere to the same requirements, regardless of the curriculum they follow.
What to expect in the future?
The new physical education policy for Abu Dhabi schools clearly aims to promote students' health and physical activity. The new regulation not only makes PE mandatory but also requires schools to be flexible and consider students' individual needs. This change can have a positive long-term impact on students' health and help promote healthier lifestyles among the youth.
The introduction of the new regulation shows that the UAE is serious about protecting young people's health and is trying to promote the importance of physical activity through the education system. Schools now have the responsibility not only to impart knowledge but also to help students adopt healthier lifestyles. This change will undoubtedly have a positive impact on society's health and help the youth become more active and balanced.
