Saudi Arabia has given girls at private schools the right to play sport, the education ministry said Sunday, in a step aimed at easing restrictions on women in the ultra-conservative kingdom. The ministry directive published in Saudi newspapers says that private schools for girls have been told to "put into effect a number of rules to regulate sports".
The measure appears to have left out the majority of students at state schools. The ministry has, however, requested the schools ensure girls wear "a covering and decent outfit" for sport activities in "suitable areas". It also demanded that female Saudi coaches get the priority in employment at such facilities. The ministry pointed out that some private schools were already offering physical education, but without any regulations to follow.