In a significant move to enhance the living conditions of its citizens, the Saudi government has introduced a housing support initiative aimed at assisting those unable to secure adequate housing. This initiative, known as the Sakani program, offers eligible citizens housing units or monthly financial assistance to help improve their quality of life.
The Sakani program is designed to provide support through an electronic platform where applicants can submit their requests. According to the government, this approach ensures that only those who meet the eligibility criteria receive assistance, promoting fairness among applicants.
To apply for support through the Sakani platform, citizens must follow a series of straightforward steps. First, they need to visit the Sakani digital platform at https://sakani.sa/. Once there, they must enter their identification number and password to access their personal account. After logging in, they can search for housing support services and select the option to apply.
Next, applicants are required to fill out all necessary information accurately and agree to the terms and conditions associated with the support. The final step involves submitting the application. Once all applications have been reviewed, the names of eligible beneficiaries will be disclosed, and they will be contacted by the relevant authorities.
However, there are specific conditions that applicants must meet to qualify for the Sakani support. These requirements are in place to ensure that assistance is given to those who genuinely need it. Firstly, applicants must be Saudi nationals or hold permanent residency. Additionally, they should not own any housing units or property and must be at least 25 years old.
Moreover, individuals must provide documentation proving that they are from low-income backgrounds and cannot afford to provide housing for their families. Importantly, applicants should not have previously benefited from any other housing support provided by the government.
As the Sakani initiative is set to commence in 2025, it represents a crucial step in the Saudi government's broader efforts to enhance the living standards of its citizens. By addressing the housing needs of low-income families, the government aims to foster a more equitable society.
In a related development, a high-profile delegation, including Al-Fariq Kamel Al-Wazir, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers for Industrial Development, and Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, conducted an inspection visit to the NEOM project. This ambitious project, located in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia, spans 468 kilometers along the coast and features pristine islands and diverse coastal environments.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the project's objectives and its anticipated impact on economic growth and development in the region. NEOM is a key component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.
The project encompasses several vital areas, including 'The Line' city, the advanced industrial city 'OXAGON', the mountain destination 'Trojena', and the marine destination 'Sindalah Island'. Each area is designed to contribute uniquely to the overall vision of sustainable urban development.
'The Line' is envisioned as a linear city that redefines urban living, while 'OXAGON' aims to be the world's largest floating industrial complex, focusing on sustainability and innovation. Meanwhile, 'Trojena' is set to become a hub for eco-friendly tourism, and 'Sindalah Island' will serve as NEOM's primary marine tourism destination.
As part of the inspection, the delegation reviewed the progress of various projects, including the development of 'OXAGON', which is expected to rely entirely on renewable energy and aims to create a circular economy. This initiative includes state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a focus on advanced technologies.
OXAGON is also set to feature the largest green hydrogen project globally, utilizing desalinated water powered by clean energy. The port, which is part of this initiative, is being developed to accommodate a significant increase in cargo traffic and will play a crucial role in supporting NEOM's logistics and supply chain needs.
The NEOM Port, which was inaugurated in May 2023, is strategically located to enhance trade connections with regional markets, particularly with Egyptian ports. The port is designed to handle a vast number of shipping containers and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support maritime operations.
As NEOM continues to evolve, the government has announced plans to transition the management of Duba Port to NEOM, further integrating the port's operations into the broader logistics framework of the project. This move aligns with national policies aimed at transforming ports into global logistics centers that connect Saudi Arabia with international markets.
With the first container service launched by CMA CGM, a leading global shipping company, NEOM Port is set to become a vital link in the maritime supply chain. The port's capabilities are expected to grow significantly as it develops innovative solutions to meet the logistics demands of the region.
As NEOM gears up for operations in 2025, the project promises to be a beacon of sustainable development, aiming for 100% renewable energy use and zero net emissions. This ambitious endeavor not only reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to environmental sustainability but also positions the nation as a leader in innovative urban development.
In summary, the Sakani housing support initiative and the NEOM project are essential components of Saudi Arabia's vision to improve living standards and foster economic growth. As the government rolls out these initiatives, the hope is to create a more equitable society and a sustainable future for all citizens.
