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Gulf News reported on May 17, 2026 that the Etihad Credit Bureau collaborated with UAE PASS to launch a tenant screening service for private landlords throughout the UAE. The platform enables property owners to request credit scores of prospective tenants ahead of signing contracts, with data release conditional on approval through the national digital identity system. This structured approach allows for evaluation of financial reliability while maintaining strict controls on information sharing, according to the publication.
The service first appeared in preview form at GITEX 2025 under the auspices of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and Digital Dubai before its full rollout through the ECB mobile application in April 2026, a follow-up article in the same outlet noted the next day. Landlords initiate requests directly in the app, after which tenants receive notification to grant or withhold consent via UAE PASS. The sequence ensures that no credit information reaches the landlord without explicit tenant authorization at each step.
Officials involved in the launch stated that the initiative would increase transparency and confidence levels within the rental market. They added that residents would benefit from greater authority over when and how their financial data is accessed by third parties. The consent framework reflects wider patterns in UAE digital services where user control forms a central design principle, the report indicated.
In tandem with the tenant tool, the Etihad Credit Bureau upgraded its existing Cheque Clearance Indicator to incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities. The enhanced version assesses the probability of successful cheque clearance by drawing on the issuer’s broader credit history and records. This development extends the bureau’s risk assessment offerings beyond real estate into everyday financial instruments, according to the May 17 coverage.
UAE PASS operates as the official national digital identity platform for citizens, residents and visitors, enabling secure logins, document verification and service access across government and private entities, the federal portal u.ae has explained. Integration with the ECB application allows seamless authentication without repeated credential submissions. The platform has expanded its reach since initial introduction, supporting an array of online transactions that now include this rental screening function.
Subsequent reporting from Gulf News on May 18, 2026 described the system as a potential shift toward more data-driven leasing practices among landlords in key emirates. With expatriates comprising the bulk of tenants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where rental demand remains elevated, the availability of credit insights could reduce exposure to payment defaults over time. Related coverage highlighted that the tool arrives amid separate sector adjustments, such as expanded options for monthly rent payments scheduled for later in 2026.
Users download the ECB application and authenticate through UAE PASS to manage both credit reports and screening requests in one environment, the bureau’s own site confirms. The combined features provide individuals with direct oversight of their credit standing while offering landlords a compliant channel for preliminary due diligence. Further enhancements to the platform continue to align with national digital transformation objectives across multiple economic areas.
