In line with the Saudi government’s dedication to supporting the most vulnerable segments of society, the Developmental Housing Program emerges as one of the most important housing initiatives designed to provide suitable homes for divorced women, widows, and their families. This program is a collaborative effort between charitable organizations and the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing. In this article, you’ll find a detailed guide on the application requirements, how to obtain support, and essential tips to ensure acceptance into the program through the Sakani platform.
Moreover, Sakan plays a pivotal role in supporting government developmental housing programs by linking beneficiaries with available housing options—making it easier to find the perfect home. The platform also provides integrated services including property listings, real estate consultations, and financing options. This makes it a powerful tool to achieve housing stability, especially for deserving groups like divorced women and widows, helping them secure appropriate housing support smoothly and efficiently.
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What Is the Developmental Housing Program?
The Developmental Housing Program is an initiative by the Ministry of Housing targeting the most vulnerable families in Saudi society, such as divorced women and widows. It aims to provide stable housing either through ready residential units or full financial support covering 100% of mortgage costs, in partnership with accredited charitable organizations.
Who Are the Beneficiaries of the Program?
The program focuses on Saudi citizens most in need of housing support, as part of the state’s efforts to enhance quality of life and promote social justice. The key beneficiary groups include:
- Families in greatest need: divorced women, widows, elderly citizens, people with disabilities, and those unable to work who lack a steady income or suitable housing.
- Social security recipients officially registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development who meet housing eligibility conditions.
- Low-income individuals who do not receive social security benefits but whose monthly income prevents them from accessing traditional housing finance.
- Families registered on the Sakani platform who have proven eligibility after fulfilling all criteria set by the Ministry.
- Women without providers, including abandoned women, detainees recently released, and those unable to secure safe, stable housing for themselves or their children.
The program helps meet these groups’ housing needs by offering affordable homes or direct rent support, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to increase home ownership rates and ensure housing stability for all citizens.
What Is the Difference Between the Developmental Housing Program and Sakani?
Many wonder about the difference between the Sakani Program and the Developmental Housing Program. Simply put, Sakani is a broader umbrella covering multiple initiatives, including the Developmental Housing Program. The latter specifically targets the most vulnerable groups like low-income or income-less divorced women and widows. Meanwhile, Sakani provides units, land, and financing options for a wider range of citizens.
Learn also about how to register on the Jood Housing platform for divorced women.
Developmental Housing Program for Divorced Women
Applying for housing support as a divorced woman in Saudi Arabia is a vital social challenge. The government is committed to providing appropriate housing because Saudi women constitute half of society and play a major role in the country’s development. They deserve full rights and support.
This program offers suitable housing solutions specifically for low-income families, especially divorced women, including financial assistance and credit facilities to help them own their homes.
Several initiatives support divorced women in obtaining housing, such as:
- Sakani Program: Offers financial and technical support to divorced women for owning appropriate housing units.
- Real Estate Development Fund: Provides loans and financing facilities for divorced women to purchase their homes.
- No Down Payment Villa Program: Enables divorced women with a steady income to finance villa purchases without an initial down payment.
- Ejari Program: Helps provide affordable rental units for divorced women.
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Developmental Housing Program for Widows
The Saudi government places great importance on providing safe, stable housing for widows, aiming to improve their quality of life and ensure living stability for them and their children.
Several government programs cater to widows’ housing needs, including:
- Sakani Program: The leading housing initiative providing widows with ownership opportunities through numerous facilitation options.
- Real Estate Development Fund: Offers various housing loans and credit facilities for widows to buy or build their homes.
- National Housing Program: Provides diverse housing solutions, including rental apartments for widows.
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Eligibility Requirements for Divorced Women and Widows
Wondering how to apply for Sakani as a divorced woman? To benefit from the Developmental Housing Program, divorced or widowed Saudi women must meet the following conditions:
- Saudi nationality.
- Age above 25 years.
- At least two years since divorce (not applicable to widows).
- Registered and receiving social security benefits.
- No income except social security or limited income.
- No property registered under their name.
- No prior receipt of any housing support.
How to Apply for Developmental Housing as a Divorced Woman or Widow?
Applying is straightforward:
- Register on the Sakani platform.
- Provide all requested information.
- Specify the number of family members.
- Submit the application.
Within a few days, the applicant will receive a notification on her account if she qualifies for support. She should print or save the eligibility certificate and visit one of the charitable organizations collaborating with the Ministry of Housing to complete the remaining steps. It’s important to select a charity close to her location from the approved list.
You can also learn how to register on the Jood Housing Platform for divorced women.
Can Divorced Women and Widows Apply Without Children?
Many divorced women and widows ask if having children is a prerequisite for applying. It is important to clarify that having children is not a condition for eligibility. Women can apply even if they do not have children, and no guardianship certificate is required during the application.
Does Social Security Provide Housing for Divorced Women and Widows?
Yes, Saudi divorced women and widows can obtain suitable housing through the Developmental Housing Program if they meet the Ministry of Housing’s criteria. This program is specifically designed to support the most vulnerable groups, with divorced women and widows among the highest priorities.
How Can Divorced Women and Widows Benefit from Housing Support?
Here’s how to get started:
- Register on the Sakani platform.
- Enter your national ID number.
- Enter your birth date.
- Click verify.
- Enter your email, password, and phone number.
- Enter the verification code sent via SMS.
- Submit your housing support request after completing registration.
- Agree to terms and conditions.
- Answer the required questions.
- Submit the application and become eligible for housing support.
What Is the Amount of Housing Support for Divorced Women and Widows?
The program offers 100% housing support upon meeting all requirements, a positive initiative by the Ministry of Housing to help divorced women and widows secure appropriate homes for themselves and their children.
- The support amount can reach up to 500,000 Saudi Riyals, provided all necessary documents proving eligibility are submitted.
The Saudi government is actively working to increase support amounts as part of its commitment to women’s rights, viewing their welfare as a national priority.
For divorced women across Saudi Arabia, the Sakani Program offers a vital opportunity to achieve housing stability through dedicated government support. Applying is simple via the official website or mobile app—just create an account, fill out accurate personal information, select “divorced” as your status, and attach required documents like divorce certificates and proof of dependents if any. Eligibility is automatically verified through government databases, and qualified applicants receive suitable housing options such as ready units, free land, or subsidized financing.
This comprehensive system reflects Saudi Arabia’s genuine commitment to empowering women and providing a dignified life for them and their families. Understanding the application requirements and process for Sakani is your first step toward making your housing dreams a reality.

