Kuwait tightens housing rules, no building permits until infrastructure is complete
The Cabinet has decided that homeowners in new residential areas will not be allowed to begin construction until essential infrastructure and public services are fully completed, in a move aimed at preventing delays and ensuring better living conditions for residents.
At its weekly meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, the Cabinet directed the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) to continue monitoring the progress of infrastructure works in housing projects and to remove obstacles delaying their completion.
Under the new decision, PAHW will not issue the “To Whom It May Concern” certificates required by the Kuwait Municipality and the Kuwait Credit Bank to process building permits until roads, electricity, water, sewage networks and other essential services in the residential areas have been completed.
The decision follows the Cabinet’s review of a report covering the implementation of housing infrastructure projects between June 2025 and June 2026, which identified several challenges affecting the delivery of services in new residential developments.
The Cabinet instructed PAHW to continue coordinating with government agencies responsible for housing services, monitor their performance and submit semi-annual reports detailing the progress of infrastructure projects, the responsibilities of each authority and any obstacles requiring government intervention.
In a separate decision, the Cabinet assigned Minister of State for Development and Sustainability Affairs Dr. Reem Al-Faleej, who also oversees the Environment Public Authority, to coordinate national efforts on environmental sustainability and ensure Kuwait meets its international climate and environmental commitments.
The minister will submit an annual report to the Cabinet outlining implementation progress and recommendations.
