Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Labour and Social Development is expected to launch a major housing project for social security beneficiaries and others in need of housing support, said a report.

The programme, which will receive up to SR3 billion ($799 million) support from the government, will involve the private sector too, the Arab News report said.

It will provide housing to widows and orphans through charities and orphanages in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and the charity fund, it said.