Etihad Credit Bureau has announced the launch of Credit Score 3i, its next-generation credit scoring model for individuals in the United Arab Emirates, with expanded coverage and an extended period for assessing credit behaviour.
The bureau said the initiative was announced on 29 October 2026 at its new Abu Dhabi office.
What changes with Credit Score 3i
According to Etihad Credit Bureau, Credit Score 3i will assess an individual’s credit behaviour over a period of up to 36 months, compared with 24 months under the previous model. The bureau said the extended window draws on a broader range of indicators related to financial obligations and repayment patterns, aiming to provide a more comprehensive view of credit profiles.
The bureau also said the model introduces scoring for additional customer segments, including people who are new to credit and new to the UAE who have limited credit histories. It described this as being supported by two distinct scoring models tailored to different segments based on the length of an individual’s credit history.
Score ranges by customer category
Etihad Credit Bureau said Credit Score 3i uses two scoring ranges:
- 300 to 850 for individuals with established credit histories
- 300 to 650 for eligible individuals who are new to credit or new to the UAE with limited credit histories
Defaults and potential score movement
The bureau said Credit Score 3i is designed to recognise improvements in credit behaviour and, where applicable, reflect those changes in the score within six months after defaults have been resolved. It also cautioned that an improvement in a credit score during that period is not guaranteed, adding that new defaults or other negative developments could affect any progress and require further time before improvements can be reflected.
Etihad Credit Bureau further stated that the credit report associated with the score is intended to provide analysis of factors influencing the score, whether positive or negative, and may include recommendations that users can follow to improve their credit standing.
Use by lenders and authorised entities
Etihad Credit Bureau said Credit Score 3i is intended to support banks, financial institutions and other authorised entities, including eligible fintech companies and digital platforms, by providing more comprehensive credit information and indicators for risk assessment and credit decisions.
The bureau also said the insights may support needs of government and regulatory entities, as well as the SME, entrepreneurship and real estate sectors, subject to each entity’s mandate and applicable data access requirements. It added that lending decisions remain subject to each lender’s policies and assessment criteria.
Growth in UAE credit information ecosystem
Etihad Credit Bureau said the UAE’s credit information ecosystem has expanded significantly. As of September 2026, it reported that its database covered approximately 11.6 million individuals and businesses, with 20.2 million active credit facilities and contracts. It also said 25.3 million active International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) were covered in the active database.
The bureau stated that the number of credit reports and credit scores issued rose from about one million in 2015 to more than 17 million in 2025. It also said that in 2026 it expanded its credit reporting scope to include Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) accounts and other short-term credit products.
Official access to the score
Etihad Credit Bureau said individuals can access their Credit Score through its official website and through its mobile app. It noted that registration, identity verification requirements and any applicable fees are subject to procedures published through its official channels.
Etihad Credit Bureau is a federal entity wholly owned by the federal government of the United Arab Emirates.
