Physical Education in the United Arab Emirates: Reflections from the Field

The article examines didactic methodology for the teaching of physical education at the secondary school level in the United Arab Emirates. At present the physical education curriculum requires physical education (PE) teachers to follow the curriculum without any alteration. Students with disabilities and/or special needs are excluded from physical education activities. This article provides a rationale for reforming the curriculum to allow consideration of student health issues such as obesity and/or diabetes and the inclusion of students with disabilities. Recommended curriculum reforms are examined to include nine stages of evaluation for successful implementation.