DAMMAM: Five government and private bodies are working on procedures, to include creating a database, to prevent people from receiving duplicate housing assistance from the government or charities. It has been possible for people to get assistance from more than one organization, officials said, but the database of all beneficiaries' ID-card numbers will help maximize the number of citizens who receive assistance. The database will be established through lists of beneficiaries currently registered at a number of government bodies: the Real Estate Development Fund, Housing Commission, Public Pension Agency; and charitable organizations. Applications for loans or assistance will be verified through the database, officials said. Recent studies have showed that a large percentage of Saudis do not own houses and rent is considered to be very high. Economists said the Royal Order to build 500,000 residential units and the large financial support King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, provided to the Real Estate Development Fund will increase the number of Saudis who own their homes.
