UAE Credit Bureau Adds Tabby and Tamara Buy Now, Pay Later Data to Credit Reports

Abu Dhabi | EcoPulse24

Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), the UAE's federal credit information provider, announced that it has expanded the scope of information available in the country's credit reports by incorporating Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) account data from Tabby and Tamara, effective July 2026.

The move reflects the continued evolution of the UAE's financial services sector and the growing adoption of flexible consumer financing solutions, while providing lenders and consumers with a more comprehensive view of financial obligations.

Broader Credit Reporting Framework

According to AECB, including BNPL account information will expand the range of credit data available to financial institutions and consumers, supporting more informed lending decisions and improving the overall quality of credit assessments.

The update is also expected to help integrate more consumers into the formal credit ecosystem, strengthening financial inclusion across the UAE.

The new reporting framework will apply to both existing and new customers of Tabby and Tamara in the UAE and will also include relevant historical account information.

Supporting Responsible Lending

AECB said the inclusion of BNPL data provides lenders and authorized institutions with a broader understanding of consumers' financial commitments and repayment behavior, enabling more accurate credit risk assessments and promoting responsible lending practices.

Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Director General of Al Etihad Credit Bureau, said:

"We remain committed to continuously enhancing the quality, depth, and relevance of the information available through our products and services. As the financial services sector evolves and new forms of consumer financing become increasingly widespread, it is essential that credit reports present a comprehensive and accurate picture of individuals' financial obligations."

He added that incorporating BNPL account information represents an important step toward strengthening responsible lending, improving credit risk assessment, and increasing transparency across the UAE's financial sector.

Tabby: Responsible Borrowing Should Be Recognized

Hussam Arab, CEO and Co-Founder of Tabby, said responsible lending begins with a clear understanding of an individual's financial position.

He noted that millions of customers who use Tabby responsibly will now have the opportunity to build stronger credit profiles, improving their access to future financial products and services.

Tamara: Greater Transparency for Consumers

Saqr Shah, General Manager of Tamara UAE, said trust remains at the core of the company's business.

He added that the initiative reflects Tamara's commitment to empowering consumers by increasing transparency and expanding participation in the formal financial system.

Strengthening the UAE's Financial Ecosystem

AECB said the initiative forms part of its ongoing collaboration with financial institutions, fintech companies, lenders, and data providers to improve the quality and depth of credit information available in the UAE.

The bureau said these efforts support the development of a more inclusive, transparent, and resilient financial ecosystem.

Key Highlights

EcoPulse24 Analysis

The inclusion of Buy Now, Pay Later account data in UAE credit reports marks a significant step in the country's evolving credit infrastructure as fintech lending becomes increasingly mainstream. By incorporating BNPL obligations into formal credit assessments, lenders will gain a more complete view of consumer indebtedness and repayment behavior, strengthening credit risk management while encouraging responsible borrowing. The initiative also supports the UAE's broader fintech strategy by improving financial transparency and expanding access to the formal credit system for a growing base of digital finance users.