Sheikha Bibi urges women to update housing data as only 600 of 4,000 applications remain active
No woman will be entered into any draw unless her data is fully updated -- Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousef
Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousef, Head of the Women’s Housing Committee at the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, emphasized the urgent need for Kuwaiti women to update their housing data to ensure their eligibility for allocation procedures. She revealed a significant discrepancy between the 4,000 registered applications—some dating back decades—and the mere 600 applications that have been properly updated.
Speaking on the sidelines of the first housing lottery for women who submitted rental housing applications up to 2001 and earlier, Al-Yousef described the low update rate as an “abnormal indicator” and urged all women with old applications to contact the committee to reactivate their files and secure their housing rights, reports Al-Rai daily.
Al-Yousef explained that the committee was formed to address the needs of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis. During the update process, the committee found many applications dating back to the 1980s through 2001. Despite more than 4,000 total requests, only 600 women have updated their information.
She called on all remaining applicants to clarify whether they still wish to pursue their housing requests. The committee, she noted, receives the public every Sunday and Wednesday.
The 600 updated applications were divided into three groups. The first draw took place today, with the second scheduled for the 23rd of this month and the third two weeks later. Following this, the committee will proceed with applications from 2001–2010. Al-Yousef stressed that no woman will be entered into any draw unless her data is fully updated and all ten housing conditions are met.
Al-Yousef also warned beneficiaries that rental houses must be used strictly for residential purposes. Violations—such as renting them out, operating businesses, or converting them into nurseries, groceries, workshops, or restaurants—will lead to immediate withdrawal of the unit. Joint inspection teams from the Housing Authority, Interior Ministry, and Defense Ministry are actively monitoring misuse and taking legal action.
She expressed appreciation to the Ministries of Interior and Defense for providing the largest number of housing units—more than those offered by the Housing Authority itself.
Regarding allocated houses for persons with disabilities, Al-Yousef noted that after announcing an additional batch, numerous errors were discovered. A meeting is scheduled with the Director General of the Public Authority for Disability, Dr. Dalal Al-Othman, to review over 150 questionable cases before proceeding with the next draw.
Today’s distribution included 170 applications out of the 600 eligible requests. Al-Yousef clarified that women residing outside Kuwait are not entitled to rental housing, as these units are intended exclusively for residents. The houses in Sulaibiya and Taima, she added, are temporary and will eventually be replaced by permanent alternatives to avoid imposing extra costs on women.
In an unprecedented step, the committee has also allowed the transfer of housing units from the name of a non-Kuwaiti military husband to his Kuwaiti wife before the end of his service—provided she has an open housing application. She reaffirmed that humanitarian cases are given special consideration, especially families with persons with disabilities and elderly women with dependents.
Al-Yousef concluded by affirming that Kuwait remains a country of generosity and humanity, with leadership committed to supporting families and protecting social stability.
