The Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) in Kuwait continues its dedicated efforts to provide housing solutions for its citizens, with a recent focus on addressing the long-standing needs of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis. A lottery held on Thursday marked a significant step in this process, allocating rental housing units in Sulaibiya and Taima’a. This initiative, alongside ambitious new construction projects, demonstrates Kuwait’s commitment to ensuring housing accessibility for all its citizens, particularly those facing unique challenges within the system.
Kuwait Housing Lottery Prioritizes Women Married to Non-Kuwaitis
This week’s lottery by the PAHW specifically targeted Kuwaiti women who have applied for rental housing in the Sulaibiya and Taima’a areas. The draw is part of a broader strategy to tackle a backlog of applications, some dating back decades. Earlier this month, 170 residential units were allocated to women whose applications were submitted as early as 2001, and even 1980, highlighting the considerable demand and the length of time some applicants have waited.
Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Chairperson of the Women’s Housing Committee, emphasized a crucial point during the lottery: the importance of keeping application files updated. Many applicants are currently ineligible simply because they haven’t provided current information, a necessary step for participation in these draws. She directly urged all women with pending applications to visit PAHW offices to rectify this issue and ensure they are considered in future allocations. Thursday’s lottery itself allocated 194 units to those who had successfully updated their details, demonstrating the direct impact of compliance.
New Flexibility in Housing Transfer Policies
Beyond the lottery, PAHW has announced progressive changes to its housing transfer policies, offering increased flexibility for families. A particularly noteworthy development allows for the transfer of housing units from a non-Kuwaiti military husband to his Kuwaiti wife, even before the husband’s military service is complete. This is a first for the authority and addresses a specific need within this demographic.
Furthermore, PAHW is exercising discretion with humanitarian exceptions. These are being granted to elderly women with dependents and residents with disabilities, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are not overlooked in the housing allocation process. The authority remains firm in its commitment to preventing the commercial exploitation of housing, with strict guidelines in place to ensure properties remain dedicated to family use. Any instances of subleasing or commercial activity will result in legal action and reassignment of the unit to another eligible applicant.
The “Low-Cost Housing” Project: A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, PAHW is heavily invested in the development of a new “Low-Cost Housing” project, designed to provide modern and affordable homes for Kuwaiti citizens. Residents of Sulaibiya and Taima’a will be given priority access to these new units, scheduled for completion in early 2028.
Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousef Al-Sabah described the project as a vital step towards empowering Kuwaiti women and securing their right to adequate housing. She highlighted that the homes will be fully equipped and designed to enhance the quality of life and promote family stability. This project represents a significant investment in the future of Kuwaiti families.
Project Details and Sustainability
Construction on the ambitious project commenced in early 2025 and is reportedly progressing ahead of schedule. Minister Abdellatif Al-Mishari confirmed the positive momentum, indicating a strong likelihood of meeting the January 2028 delivery target. The development will encompass nearly 9,800 housing units, each situated on a 200-square-meter plot and offering a generous 350 square meters of living space.
The city will be a self-contained community, boasting 74 public service buildings. These will include essential amenities such as schools, clinics, mosques, police stations, and shopping centers. Located approximately 50 kilometers from Kuwait City, the project aims to alleviate pressure on the capital while providing a high standard of living for its residents.
The housing designs will feature two main styles, with eight façade variations to ensure architectural diversity and maintain family privacy. Each home will include six bedrooms, two of which will be master suites, alongside spacious living and dining areas and dedicated quarters for domestic staff. Importantly, the project incorporates sustainable building practices, including the use of solar energy for public buildings, energy-efficient lighting, and high-performance central air conditioning systems.
Project Progress and Timelines
Bader Al-Thaidi, Chief Engineer at PAHW, provided an update on the construction progress, stating that work is ongoing around the clock across multiple sites. He reported that several contracts are already more than 20 percent ahead of schedule, with one particular contract nearing 26 percent completion. This positive trajectory reinforces confidence in the project’s ability to deliver on its promise of providing affordable housing by January 2028. The PAHW’s commitment to efficient project management and timely execution is crucial for addressing the ongoing housing needs of Kuwaiti citizens.
In conclusion, the recent housing lottery and the ongoing “Low-Cost Housing” project demonstrate the PAHW’s proactive approach to tackling the housing challenges faced by Kuwaiti women and the broader population. By prioritizing updated applications, introducing flexible transfer policies, and embracing sustainable construction practices, the authority is working towards a future where quality, affordable housing is accessible to all. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the PAHW website or local offices to ensure their applications are current and to learn more about eligibility requirements for future draws and the new housing project.
