Abu Dhabi: Physical education programmes are to be reinstated from the next academic year

Starting from the next academic year, government universities will offer sports studies as a new major for students, the Federal National Council was told yesterday (Tuesday).

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said in a letter to the House that the ministry used to offer physical education and sports degrees at UAE University and 220 had graduated and are now working in several health and fitness areas. “However, the programmes were closed in 2000 due to low enrolment,” Shaikh Hamdan said.

Dr Mona Al Bahar, a member from Dubai, estimated that the UAE needs more than 9,000 PE teachers, coaches, facility managers and health management professionals annually.

Saying she was delighted the course will be reinstated, Dr Mona told the House the country was in need of the biggest possible number of physical education graduates.

Shaikh Hamdan said the ministry was working to reinstate the physical education department to meet the demand for physical education teachers and trained fitness professionals in the UAE.

The physical education programme will follow two tracks, one for teachers and one for people who want to get into the fitness industry to work as coaches, facility managers and health management professionals.

At present, there are no physical education degrees being taught at any of the UAE’s universities.

Ali Eisa Al Nuaimi, a member from Ajman, demanded that universities offer extended and ongoing orientation programmes in line with best international practices to help students develop academic skills.

Al Nuaimi said new student programmes aid in the successful transition for students who are eager to start their new experience and continue successfully through college.

Research has indicated that First-Year Experience Programmes are relevant and necessary for student retention in higher education, Al Nuaimi argued.

“Student Orientation Programmes are critical to this experience. The programmes make a substantial impact on welcoming and connecting students as they transition to a college or university. More importantly, these orientations introduce students to the individuals and resources they will need when they are in personal or academic jeopardy — resources that many students overlook or forget are available to assist with their success in college. Ultimately, orientation programmes are the bridge between the last stages of recruitment and the first stages of retention,” the member said.

Shaikh Hamdan said in a letter an orientation centre at the Ministry of Higher Education offers orientation programmes for secondary school graduates of all government and private schools as well as technical institutes, in coordination with the Ministry of Education.