What is the main change introduced by Score 3i?

Score 3i extends the credit behaviour assessment period from 24 months to **36 months**, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's financial history in the UAE.

Are there different credit scoring ranges in Score 3i?

Yes, Score 3i introduces two distinct scoring ranges: **300 — 850 for individuals with established credit histories** and **300, 650 for eligible individuals new to credit or the UAE** with limited credit histories.

How can consumers see the factors influencing their credit score?

Consumers can view the positive and negative factors impacting their credit score in real-time through the **Etihad Credit Bureau's official app or website**.

How does Score 3i benefit financial institutions and other sectors?

Score 3i provides banks, financial institutions, and eligible fintechs with **fuller credit data for risk assessment**. It may also serve government, regulatory bodies, SMEs, and the real estate sector, subject to data access rules.

Does the 36-month assessment period mean a longer wait to recover from default?

No, the 36-month figure describes the assessment window for evaluating credit behaviour, **not a mandatory waiting period** for recovering from a default or improving an individual's credit score.

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Living·1 November 2026

Etihad Credit Bureau Launches Enhanced Score 3i Credit Model for UAE Residents

The Etihad Credit Bureau has unveiled Score 3i, an upgraded credit scoring model for UAE residents that extends the assessment period to 36 months and offers clearer insights into score factors.

The Etihad Credit Bureau has rolled out Score 3i, the third generation of its credit scoring model designed for UAE residents. This new model provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's financial behaviour by evaluating their credit history over 36 months, an increase from the previous 24-month period.

Key Enhancements of Score 3i

Marwan Ahmad Lufti, Director General of the Etihad Credit Bureau, stated that Score 3i is expected to be a "game changer" for the industry. The model introduces two distinct scoring ranges to cater to different customer categories:

300 — 850: For individuals with an established credit history.
300 — 650: For eligible individuals who are new to credit or new to the UAE with limited credit histories.

This update follows the bureau's first-generation score launched in 2018. Score 3i has been re-engineered to align with the UAE's market demographics and dynamics, incorporating consumer feedback, particularly on pathways to recover from a default. The bureau's intention is to support individuals rather than merely penalise them.

Transparency and Accessibility

One of the significant improvements is the enhanced transparency. Through the Etihad Credit Bureau's official app or website, consumers can now view the specific positive and negative factors influencing their credit score in real-time. This feature aims to make it easier for individuals to understand their financial standing and identify areas for improvement.

Impact on Lending and Market Accessibility

While lending decisions remain with individual financial institutions, Score 3i is designed to provide banks, financial institutions, and eligible fintechs with more extensive credit data for improved risk assessment. It may also serve the needs of government, regulatory bodies, SMEs, and the real estate sector, subject to data access regulations. The bureau confirmed that the 36-month assessment window is not a mandatory waiting period for recovering from a default, but rather an extended period for evaluating credit behaviour trends. The new system also aims to make the credit system more accessible to residents who previously had no banking credit history.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the main change introduced by Score 3i?: Score 3i extends the credit behaviour assessment period from 24 months to **36 months**, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's financial history in the UAE.
Are there different credit scoring ranges in Score 3i?: Yes, Score 3i introduces two distinct scoring ranges: **300 — 850 for individuals with established credit histories** and **300, 650 for eligible individuals new to credit or the UAE** with limited credit histories.
How can consumers see the factors influencing their credit score?: Consumers can view the positive and negative factors impacting their credit score in real-time through the **Etihad Credit Bureau's official app or website**.
How does Score 3i benefit financial institutions and other sectors?: Score 3i provides banks, financial institutions, and eligible fintechs with **fuller credit data for risk assessment**. It may also serve government, regulatory bodies, SMEs, and the real estate sector, subject to data access rules.
Does the 36-month assessment period mean a longer wait to recover from default?: No, the 36-month figure describes the assessment window for evaluating credit behaviour, **not a mandatory waiting period** for recovering from a default or improving an individual's credit score.

Reported by

Google News — UAE Population & Expats

View original coverage

This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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