The UAE has expanded the scope of company credit reports, with authorities now including data on wages, fines, and pension obligations alongside traditional banking information. The update, introduced by Etihad Credit Bureau, integrates data from multiple government entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund.
This marks a shift from a purely financial assessment model to a broader evaluation that includes how companies manage non-banking obligations such as employee salaries, government fines, and pension contributions.
Under the new system, company credit reports may reflect delays in salary payments under the Wage Protection System (WPS), late payment of government fines, missed pension contributions, and failure to meet Emiratisation targets. Classification flags, including non-compliant or inactive entities, may also be included.
Officials say the move aims to provide a more comprehensive view of a company’s financial behaviour. Marwan Ahmad Lutfi noted that incorporating non-banking data will strengthen the assessment of payment risk.
The change is expected to impact how businesses access credit. Lenders will now have deeper insights into operational conduct, meaning delays in wages or fines could negatively affect creditworthiness, while strong compliance may improve a company’s profile.
For employees and residents, the update increases transparency around wage payments. Companies that delay salaries may face greater scrutiny, potentially improving accountability across the labour market.
Authorities also said the initiative supports broader efforts to enhance data sharing and accelerate digital transformation across government systems, contributing to a more efficient and competitive business environment.
