Etihad Credit Bureau Refines Credit Scoring with Next Generation Model

A sophisticated new credit assessment framework extends the bureau's reach to new borrowers while deepening insights into established financial behaviour, marking another evolution in the UAE's maturing credit ecosystem.

The financial infrastructure of the Emirates continues to deepen. Etihad Credit Bureau, the federal entity responsible for credit information and data-driven analytics across the UAE, has unveiled Credit Score 3i, a refined methodology that reflects both the growing complexity of credit markets and the broadening diversity of borrowers seeking access to financial services.

The enhanced model represents a meaningful advancement in how credit behaviour is assessed and understood. Where previous iterations examined financial patterns over 24 months, Credit Score 3i extends this observation period to 36 months, drawing on a richer tapestry of indicators related to financial obligations and repayment patterns. This longer view provides a more nuanced understanding of how credit behaviour evolves, offering lenders and financial institutions a deeper foundation for their risk assessments and lending decisions.

Particularly significant is the model’s capacity to evaluate individuals new to credit or recently arrived in the UAE, segments previously underserved by traditional scoring methodologies. By introducing two distinct scoring models tailored to different customer profiles, the system now accommodates both those with established credit histories and those with limited financial records. For individuals with established histories, scores range from 300 to 850; for those new to credit or new to the country, the range extends from 300 to 650.

Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Director General of Etihad Credit Bureau, described the development as reflecting the UAE’s continuing evolution of its financial and credit information ecosystem. The new model, he noted, encourages responsible credit practices whilst recognising improvements in financial behaviour. Following the resolution of defaults and with consistent repayment of obligations, individuals may see their credit scores reflect these improvements within six months, contingent upon sustained positive credit behaviour and the model’s established criteria.

The bureau has also expanded its scope to encompass Buy Now, Pay Later accounts and other short-term credit products introduced in 2026, a reflection of how digital financial services are reshaping consumer borrowing patterns. As financial literacy and credit awareness become increasingly important to the UAE’s economic development, as detailed in initiatives recently advanced across the Emirates, these tools serve to empower individuals to understand their financial profiles more clearly.

The scale of the bureau’s operations underscores the maturity of the UAE’s credit markets. As of September 2026, Etihad Credit Bureau’s financial active database encompassed approximately 11.6 million individuals and businesses, 20.2 million active credit contracts and 25.3 million active International Bank Account Numbers. The volume of credit reports and scores issued has grown dramatically from approximately one million in 2015 to more than 17 million in 2025, a testament to how central credit information has become to financial decision-making across the nation.

Individuals can access their credit scores through Etihad Credit Bureau’s website at http://www.etihadbureau.ae or via the mobile application available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The bureau encourages regular review of credit information to verify accuracy and better understand personal credit profiles.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

For Abu Dhabi’s residents and businesses, Credit Score 3i represents a more inclusive and sophisticated framework for financial participation. The extension of credit scoring to individuals new to credit or new to the country broadens access to financial services whilst maintaining robust risk assessment standards. This is particularly relevant in a city whose economy draws talent and investment from across the globe, where newcomers require pathways to establishing financial credibility.

For financial institutions and lenders operating in Abu Dhabi, the expanded dataset and refined analytical capabilities provide a stronger foundation for informed lending decisions. The inclusion of emerging credit products such as Buy Now, Pay Later accounts ensures that the credit ecosystem reflects the reality of modern consumer behaviour, supporting both lenders and borrowers in navigating an increasingly diversified financial landscape. As the UAE continues to develop its position as a regional financial hub, such infrastructure enhancements strengthen the foundations upon which sustainable economic growth rests.

Source: WAM