The rental process in the UAE is getting a major digital upgrade, with tenant credit checks slowly becoming part of the leasing journey.

For many residents who have rented abroad, sharing a credit score may already feel familiar. But in the UAE, the concept is still new, and importantly, fully based on tenant consent.

How the new system works

The new Tenant Screening solution, launched by Etihad Credit Bureau in collaboration with UAE PASS, allows landlords to request access to a prospective tenant’s credit score.

Here’s the key detail:

• Tenants receive a request through UAE PASS
• They can approve or reject access themselves
• No credit information is shared without consent

The goal is to create a more transparent and efficient rental process while keeping financial data secure.

Why landlords want it

For landlords, the system offers verified financial insights that may help assess payment reliability, especially for:

• Luxury properties
• High-value rentals
• Multiple post-dated cheque agreements

The credit check is designed to complement existing requirements, such as:

• Salary certificates
• Emirates ID
• Visa verification

How to check your UAE credit score

1. Visit the official AECB platform or download the app
2. Log in using UAE PASS or register with:
   • Emirates ID
   • Mobile number
   • Email address
3. Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your phone
4. Select Credit Score Report
5. Pay:
   • Dh10.50 for the score only
   • Dh84 for the full credit report (including VAT)
6. Receive your score instantly in PDF format

Strong credit profile benefits

While some renters may initially see it as another step, supporters say the system could actually make approvals faster and smoother.

In competitive rental markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a strong credit profile could help tenants stand out and reassure landlords during the application process.

Officials say UAE PASS plays a critical role by acting as the secure gateway for all approvals, ensuring users remain in control of their personal financial information.

The system is currently optional, but experts believe tenant screening could become increasingly common as the UAE rental market continues to modernise.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has unveiled strict new rules requiring private sector companies to pay employee salaries on the first day of every month starting June 1, 2026.

The move, introduced under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, is part of a wider push to strengthen wage protection and improve labour compliance across the UAE.

Salaries must be paid on time

Under the new regulation:

• Salaries for the previous month must be transferred through the approved Wage Protection System (WPS) or another authorised payment platform.
• Any payment made after the due date will officially be considered delayed.

The ministry also stated that companies must provide proof and documentation confirming salary transfers.

What happens if companies delay salaries?

Authorities outlined escalating penalties that become more severe the longer salaries remain unpaid.

From Day 2:

• Companies enter electronic monitoring
• Warning notices are issued

From Day 5:

• Suspension of new work permits may begin
• Employers are formally notified to clear the unpaid wages

From Day 11:

• Administrative fines apply for repeat violations
• Companies may be downgraded to the third business classification category

From Day 16:

• Labour disputes may be automatically registered for workers
• More permit restrictions could follow, especially for larger companies and sectors such as:
  • Construction
  • Transport
  • Cleaning
  • Security
  • Recruitment services

From Day 21:

For companies employing 50 or more workers, repeated violations could lead to:

• Referral to public prosecutors
• Asset seizure orders
• Travel bans on company officials

When is a company still considered compliant?

The ministry clarified that businesses remain compliant if they transfer:

• At least 85% of total wages are on time

Employees also won’t be classified as unpaid if missing amounts are linked to legally documented deductions.

Some sectors exempt

The decision excludes:

• Short-term permits under three months
• Fishing boats
• Citizen-owned taxis
• Banks
• Places of worship

The UAE has long pushed for stronger worker protections, but this marks one of the toughest enforcement frameworks yet for salary delays.

The UAE will introduce a major update to its civil legal system from June 1, with a new law officially lowering the age of majority from 21 to 18.

The changes come under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, which introduces updates across areas including legal capacity, contracts, guardianship and civil transactions.

Published in the Official Gazette in October 2025, the law is designed to strengthen individual legal rights while maintaining safeguards against exploitation and abuse.

What changes from June 1?

Under the new law, individuals in the UAE will gain full legal capacity at 18 years old instead of 21.

This means 18-year-olds will legally be able to:

• Manage financial and legal affairs independently
• Sign contracts and civil agreements
• Open and operate bank accounts
• Conduct commercial activities

New rules for minors managing assets

Another significant update could allow minors as young as 15 to manage inherited or personal assets with court approval.

However, this would still require strict judicial supervision and specific safeguards before approval is granted.

If implemented, the change would give younger individuals limited financial autonomy while keeping court oversight in place.

The update reflects broader legal and social shifts already taking place across the UAE. The country recently lowered the minimum driving age to 17, while commercial laws already allow individuals to engage in business activities from the age of 18.

Many banks in the UAE already allow 18-year-olds to independently open and manage accounts, while existing commercial laws permit them to engage in business activities.

The new legislation reflects how young adults today are taking on greater responsibilities earlier, whether through higher education, employment, entrepreneurship or managing their own financial affairs.