Saudis to allow girls to play sports in public schools

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia’s Education Ministry says it will introduce physical education classes for girls in public schools next year, a decision that comes after years of calls by women across the kingdom demanding greater rights and access to sports.

It was only four years ago that the kingdom formally approved sports for girls in private schools.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also approved licenses for female-only gyms.

Male students have long had access to sports in public schools.