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Long waits for government housing persist despite major projects

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By Durnaz Dashti

KUWAIT: It’s been eight years since Abbas Mohammed, a 40-year-old Kuwaiti, first applied for government housing. Like all Kuwaiti citizens, Mohammed is entitled to government housing or a plot of land after marriage as stipulated in the country’s laws. While it’s a privilege many around the world can only dream of, the process isn’t as easy as it seems.

“I have been waiting on the waiting list since 2017 and have not been issued land,” he said. Mohammed was informed by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) that he would be waiting for 10 years to obtain the land. While some people with strong connections have been able to shorten that period, Mohammed hasn’t been successful. “I can’t do anything about it because I don’t have wasta.”

Without his forever home, Mohammed is now living in his father’s house, a temporary arrangement which has become the norm as housing waitlists grow in Kuwait. But Mohammed remains optimistic. He says building new areas is a part of Kuwait’s journey toward progress, regardless of location. “I know that (my new home) will be in a faraway place, most probably in Mutlaa, but I don’t mind as I see it as Kuwait developing further.”

Kuwaitis make up 30 percent of the 4.85 million people living in Kuwait. The population growth, combined with the fact that most development is concentrated in the metropolitan area of Kuwait, has led to a surge in demand for government housing. ‘Lifetime home’ applications increased to approximately 97,671 as of October 2024, according to data issued by the PAHW. Some have been on the list since 1985.

‘Significant progress’

The Kuwaiti government has attempted to address this issue through several initiatives. On Thursday, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Housing Welfare reported what it called “significant progress” in major housing development projects during June, including advances in infrastructure and construction in key areas like South Saad Al-Abdullah and South Sabah Al-Ahmad. Over 3,300 affordable homes are currently under construction, while thousands more are in preparation stages. The authority has also digitized many services to speed up building permit processes, issuing over 32,000 certificates by June.

But the housing demand continues to outpace the rate of city development. Most recently, Kuwait’s top ministers met to reinforce oversight and coordination of housing projects, under direct instructions from HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The discussion, led by ministers Abdullatif Al-Meshari, Noura Al-Mashaan, and Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, focused on removing delays, enhancing collaboration among departments and expediting the rollout of housing infrastructure. The committee underlined the urgency of delivering on citizens’ housing needs while upholding construction quality and adhering to timelines.

Slow construction

Receiving a plot of land from the government doesn’t mean the end of the wait. A 73-year-old Kuwaiti man, who preferred to remain anonymous, recalled applying for housing back in 1992. Although he received a land allocation after six years, during which he rented an apartment, he couldn’t complete construction until 2017. The delay was largely due to persistent shortages in building materials and a slow construction process.

He also noted that the government provides a housing loan of up to KD 70,000 but disburses it in stages. The installments, between KD 2,000 and KD 3,000 each, are tied to phases of construction, such as drafting the house sketch, completing tilling, in addition to tens of other processes.

Government officials carry out field inspections at every stage before releasing the money.

While helpful, this incremental funding can slow down the overall timeline of building a home. As prices of material and labor increase, the funds may not be sufficient for each stage of building. “It took me a long time to complete the construction because the staggered funds weren’t enough to cover everything I wanted to build, especially using good-quality materials and labor,” he told Kuwait Times.

Growing impatient

Another issue facing those waiting for housing is the location of new areas under development. Currently, most residential neighborhoods with housing for Kuwaitis are close to the country’s urban center. But new areas such as Sabah Al-Ahmad City and Al-Mutlaa City are 30 minutes to an hour away by car.

“Since the new areas that are being developed are distant, many families are building a third floor for their kids so that we are not living somewhere so far away and also paying high rent in Kuwait,” Khalid Al-Kandari, a family man, said.

With most people residing in metropolitan areas, rental housing units are becoming increasingly scarce. As a result, many are forced to pay high rent for small living spaces, simply to secure a place to stay. “Growing up as a city kid, I find it unreasonable that many Kuwaitis have to pay a huge chunk of their salary monthly just for apartments in the city,” Al-Kandari said. Due to the time constraints, he is beginning to grow impatient. “At this rate the house would be ready when my child turns 18!”

The long wait and rising cost of living make it increasingly difficult for citizens to afford these temporary housing arrangements. Despite government efforts, many Kuwaitis have little hope that they will be allocated a home any time soon.

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In first, Kuwaiti women appointed to Higher Public Prosecution

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KUWAIT: Attorney General Saad Al-Safran announced the transfer of several Kuwaiti prosecutors from specialized and local-level positions to the country’s higher public prosecution office, as part of a wider effort to nationalize and strengthen the judiciary with qualified local talent.

Notably, the decision includes — for the first time — Kuwaiti women among those promoted to the higher prosecution body, a step hailed as a milestone for gender equality in the legal field. In a statement, the Public Prosecution said the decision marks “a precedent recorded for the first time,” emphasizing that the appointments were made “based on the objective standard of merit.”

The move reflects “the well-deserved confidence in Kuwaiti women and their vital role in the criminal justice system,” the statement continued, adding that it supports the principle of empowering women in leadership roles and ensuring equal opportunities in the judiciary.

The decision is also in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to increase the presence of qualified Kuwaitis in key state institutions, especially the justice sector.

In a separate decision, the Attorney General also appointed Badr Al-Masaad, First Chief Prosecutor and Head of the Attorney General’s Technical Office, to lead the higher prosecution office. The moves underscore Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to localize key public sector roles and promote capable national figures — both men and women — within the legal system. — KUNA

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Sport as prevention: Haidu‑CAN Olympic Tournament begins

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KUWAIT: The National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) launched the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament Wednesday evening at Hatrick Stadium in Khaitan. Youth teams from across the country are taking part in this event, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and highlight the role of sport in disease prevention—particularly cancer.

Dr Hessa Majid Al‑Shaheen, a member of CAN’s board of directors, explained that the tournament offers an “unconventional” path to health education by blending competitive sports with practical prevention messages. “Sport is not a luxury,” she said, “but an effective means of prevention—and a gateway to a healthier, more informed society.”

According to Al‑Shaheen, medical research shows that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers—such as colon and breast—by up to 30–40 percent. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, while boosting mental health and alleviating stress and anxiety.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.

The Haidu‑CAN initiative aims to sustain young people’s engagement in sports through interactive activities that pair athletic competition with awareness workshops. In addition to tournament matches, the program features educational sessions and support initiatives for cancer survivors.

Abdullah Al‑Saleh, Director of the Haidu‑CAN Olympics, described the event as “a unique model” that moves beyond traditional awareness campaigns. “We’re delivering health messages in a way that resonates with youth—through experience and participation rather than indoctrination,” he said. This tournament is one of several activities organized by CAN’s sports team to translate theoretical health advice into tangible, everyday practices and foster long‑term healthy habits.

Guest of honor Captain Saad Al‑Houti—a former Kuwaiti national footballer—opened the tournament with a motivational address. “Sport is a message before it is a result,” he told participants, praising CAN’s efforts to empower youth as ambassadors of prevention. “Such initiatives strengthen the role of sports in community building and give young people the chance to drive positive change.”

The tournament’s opening night drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Over the coming days, the Haidu‑CAN Olympics will continue with mini‑tournaments, educational meetings and health‑focused competitions designed especially for young athletes.

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KU showcases new programs at 3-day event at The Avenues

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KUWAIT: Kuwait University has kicked off its three-day campaign, “Design Your Future”, at The Avenues mall, in an effort to connect with high school graduates and guide them through the admissions process.

Organized by the Admissions Department under the Deanship of Admission and Registration, the campaign runs daily from 10 am to 10 pm. It offers students and their families a chance to explore available majors, admission criteria, and application procedures for the upcoming academic year.

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“The campaign has seen strong engagement from recent high school graduates and their parents since its launch,” said Dr Fadhel Aziz, Acting Dean of Admission and Registration. “It gives prospective students the opportunity to learn about Kuwait University’s various colleges and how to apply.”

Among the key features of the university’s booth are introductions to new, in-demand programs such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Life Sciences and Cybersecurity in the College of Science. These programs reflect current labor market needs and technological trends. “Students now have the chance to explore some of the most in-demand fields in today’s job market,” Dr Aziz added.

Also participating in the campaign are representatives from the Public Authority for Manpower and the Civil Service Commission, who are providing students with insights into labor market demands and helping them align their academic choices with future career opportunities. “This campaign is a key step for high school graduates,” Dr Aziz noted. “It helps them clarify their interests and organize their priorities in a way that matches both their academic performance and personal inclinations.”

He emphasized that the university’s goal is to support students in making well-informed decisions that align with community needs and job market trends. The event continues through the end of the week, offering guidance and resources for anyone considering Kuwait University as the next step in their education journey.

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