Saudi government is set to build 5,000 residential units in the eastern port of Dammam as part of a mass housing programme for the citizens, said a report.

The project, which is estimated to cost around SR25 billion ($6.6 billion), is the second to be approved by the Housing Ministry in the area following plans to build 4,800 apartments in Dammam and Qatif, said Zawya Projects, citing reports in Arabic dailies.

Bids have been invited from developers for the project, which is aimed at tackling a housing crisis in the area and check rising property prices, it stated.

Work will start on the project in late 2017 and is likely to be completed within 20 months, it added.