In a bid to strengthen the UAE’s financial sector, Etihad Credit Bureau has unveiled Credit Score 3i, a novel credit scoring model that evaluates creditworthiness over an extended period of 36 months, up from the previous 24 months. This development is crucial for the region’s financial services industry, as it enables lenders to make more informed decisions. The new model is designed to provide a more comprehensive view of an individual’s credit behavior, thereby supporting lenders’ risk assessments.
According to H.E. Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Director General of Etihad Credit Bureau, the introduction of Credit Score 3i marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s efforts to develop its financial and credit information ecosystem. The Director General noted that the new credit score advances the use of data and analytics to support more comprehensive credit risk assessments, which in turn will strengthen financial sector efficiency and encourage responsible credit practices. This is in line with the UAE’s goal of creating a more robust and efficient financial system.
What the new credit score entails
The Credit Score 3i model introduces two distinct scoring ranges: one for individuals with established credit histories, which ranges from 300 to 850, and another for those with limited credit histories, which ranges from 300 to 650. This differentiation enables lenders to better assess the creditworthiness of individuals with varying credit profiles. Furthermore, the model takes into account improvements in an individual’s credit behavior over time, which can lead to an increase in their credit score within six months after settling defaults, provided their subsequent repayment behavior and overall credit profile meet the model’s criteria.
The launch of Credit Score 3i is a testament to the growing importance of data-driven analytics in the UAE’s financial sector. As of September 2026, Etihad Credit Bureau’s database covered approximately 11.6 million individuals and businesses, highlighting the significance of credit information in the region.
Benefits for lenders and individuals
The new credit scoring model provides lenders with additional credit information to support their lending decisions and risk management. This, in turn, can lead to more informed decision-making and a reduction in credit risk. For individuals, Credit Score 3i offers a more comprehensive assessment of their creditworthiness, enabling them to better manage their financial obligations. Individuals can access their credit scores through the Etihad Credit Bureau’s website or mobile application, following a registration and identity verification process, and subject to applicable fees.
In recent years, the UAE has witnessed significant growth in its financial sector, driven in part by the increasing adoption of digital payments and other financial technologies. The introduction of Credit Score 3i is expected to further support this growth, by providing lenders with more accurate and comprehensive credit information. As the UAE continues to develop its financial and credit information ecosystem, the importance of credit scoring models like Credit Score 3i will only continue to grow.
- Extended credit assessment period of 36 months
- Two distinct scoring ranges for individuals with established and limited credit histories
- Consideration of improvements in credit behavior over time
In conclusion, the launch of Credit Score 3i by Etihad Credit Bureau marks a significant development in the UAE’s financial sector. The new credit scoring model is designed to provide a more comprehensive view of an individual’s credit behavior, supporting lenders’ risk assessments and enabling individuals to better manage their financial obligations. As the UAE continues to grow and develop its financial sector, the importance of credit scoring models like Credit Score 3i will only continue to increase.
