Buying a home in Dubai is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger space, investing for the long run, or making your first move into real estate, there’s one key number that follows you into every conversation with a bank: your credit score.
For most buyers, especially those relying on financing, mortgage approval isn’t just about income or property value; it depends heavily on how trustworthy you look on paper. And in the UAE, that trust is increasingly measured through a credit score issued by Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB).
So, if you’re eyeing a Dubai property purchase and planning to take the mortgage route, it’s worth asking: is your credit score ready?
Let’s break this down. Your UAE credit score is a 300–900 point rating based on your financial history – how consistently you’ve paid off credit cards, loans, bills, and more.
It’s issued by the AECB and reflects data from local banks, telecom providers, and other financial institutions. Banks use it to predict how likely you are to repay a mortgage on time.
Generally:
Here’s the truth: no matter how high your income or how stable your job is, lenders will hesitate if your credit history shows defaults, late payments, or debt overload. A good credit score gives banks the confidence to offer you competitive terms. A poor one, on the other hand, could result in a smaller loan amount, higher interest, or outright rejection.
If you’re applying for a mortgage in 2025, your credit score directly affects:
Banks want to minimize their risk, and a strong credit score signals lower risk.
While each bank sets its internal criteria, most mortgage providers in Dubai look for:
If your score is under 650, it doesn’t mean you’re locked out completely, but you may face stricter conditions, including:
If you’re applying with a co-borrower, both credit scores are evaluated.
Mortgage rates in Dubai are dependent on your financial profile. The better your credit score, the more confidence a bank has in lending to you, which often translates to a lower rate.
Let’s say two buyers apply for the same Dubai property, both are salaried and earning the same. Buyer A has a score of 780, while Buyer B sits at 620.
Buyer A may receive an offer with:
Buyer B may receive:
That’s the real cost of a lower score, not just in monthly payments, but in total interest paid over the loan’s lifespan.
If your score isn’t where it should be, don’t panic. You can start improving it months before applying.
Not directly. UAE banks rely on local credit reports from AECB. Even if you had a perfect record abroad, it won’t influence your UAE credit score unless you’ve built a financial footprint here.
That’s why it’s advisable for expats planning to buy Dubai property to establish credit early; even something as small as a mobile phone plan or a credit card can start building your profile.
If you’re just shy of the minimum credit threshold, don’t abandon your plan; there are workarounds.
At GLLIT, we don’t just list properties; we guide buyers through the full financing journey.
All without commission, pressure, or any hidden agenda. Whether you’re applying for your first home loan or trying to refinance, we’re here to help you plan smart and move forward confidently.
The Dubai property market isn’t hard to access, but getting the right mortgage at the right rate could be a challenge. That takes preparation. And your credit score is the foundation of that preparation.
The earlier you understand where you stand, the better you can position yourself for approval. Whether you’re at 600 or 800, what matters most is how you approach the process, the steps you take to improve, and the partners you choose to work with.
At GLLIT, we’re here to make that process simpler and smarter from the first enquiry to the final signature.