The UAE’s federal credit bureau will begin incorporating buy now, pay later account data into consumer credit reports from July 2026, with Tabby and Tamara among the first providers included in the expansion.
Etihad Credit Bureau said the change will apply to both existing and new customers of the two platforms in the UAE, and will pull in relevant historical transaction data rather than starting from a clean slate.
“At Etihad Credit Bureau, we remain committed to strengthening the UAE’s credit reporting ecosystem by continuously enhancing the quality, depth, and relevance of the information available through our products and services. As financial services evolve and new forms of consumer financing gain wider adoption, it is important that credit reports provide a broad view of an individual’s financial commitments,” Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Director General of Etihad Credit Bureau said.
For lenders and other authorised entities, the practical effect is a more complete picture of a borrower’s obligations. BNPL products have grown sharply across the region in recent years, but until now that activity sat outside the formal credit reporting system, meaning neither positive nor negative behaviour fed into credit assessments.
“Responsible lending starts with a clear view of a person’s finances, and we have always underwritten in real time to make credit more accessible. For the millions of customers who use Tabby responsibly, this means their track record can now contribute to their broader financial standing,” Hosam Arab, CEO and Co-founder of Tabby added.
“As a fintech platform serving millions across the region, trust is at the core of everything we do at Tamara. This initiative reinforces our commitment by supporting greater transparency and creating more opportunities for people to participate in the financial system,” Sagar Shah, General Manager, UAE, Tamara further explained.
Etihad Credit Bureau said it intends to continue expanding its data partnerships with financial institutions, fintechs, and micro-financing lenders as part of a broader effort to build a more complete view of consumer credit in the country.
