Federal Law No. (6) of 2010 on Credit Information
Federal Law No. (6) of 2010
Regulates the collection, exchange, processing, protection and use of credit information and establishes the legal framework for credit information reports and the UAE credit-information system.
Overview
What this legislation covers
Regulates the collection, exchange, processing, protection and use of credit information and establishes the legal framework for credit information reports and the UAE credit-information system.
Who or what it applies to
- Al Etihad Credit Bureau and persons licensed or authorised for credit-information activities.
- Banks and financial institutions that provide or use credit information.
- Other information providers and report recipients within the legal framework.
- Individuals and businesses whose credit information is included in the system.
Key points
Important points at a glance
Creates the federal legal framework for credit-information activities.
Regulates collection and exchange of credit data by authorised persons.
Supports operation of Al Etihad Credit Bureau and the national credit-reporting framework.
Places duties on providers of credit information concerning accuracy and timely submission.
Regulates persons entitled to obtain credit reports and related products.
Protects confidentiality and restricts unauthorised disclosure or use of credit information.
Provides rights and procedures for reviewing or disputing credit information.
Contains enforcement and penalty provisions for misuse or breach.
Has been amended, including by later federal decree-laws.
Cabinet Resolution No. (115) of 2021 contains the current executive regulations, as amended.
Practical explanation
Understanding the law
Practical explanation
Purpose
The law allows lenders and other authorised users to assess credit risk through a regulated national information system.
Data providers
Institutions that submit data must focus on accuracy, completeness, security and timely updates because incorrect information can affect credit decisions.
Report users
Receiving a credit report does not permit unrestricted use; recipients must stay within the statutory purpose and confidentiality rules.
Consumers and businesses
Persons whose data is recorded have procedures to obtain relevant reports and challenge inaccurate information under the applicable framework.
Related laws
Credit data can also be personal data, so privacy and sector-specific confidentiality requirements may apply in parallel.
Practical notes
- Credit-report access and use must have a lawful basis under the statute and executive regulations.
- Information providers should maintain processes for data quality, correction and timely updates.
- The executive regulations have been amended and should be checked in their current version.
- Credit information may also involve personal-data and sector-specific confidentiality obligations.
Legislation text
Text and provisions
Official-text notice. This package provides a structured English rendering based on the official UAE legislation source identified in the manifest. It is not represented as the legally controlling Arabic text. For interpretation and application, consult the original Arabic text and the latest consolidated official UAE legislation.
Verified legislative metadata
| Instrument | Federal Law No. (6) of 2010 |
|---|---|
| Issued date | See official source |
| Effective date | See official source / commencement provision |
| Status | Active / in force, as amended |
| Official Gazette | See official source |
| Official source | UAE Legislation |
Structured rendering of the legislation
Definitions and scope
Defines credit information, credit-information reports, information providers, report recipients and the entities involved in the national credit-information framework.
Credit-information activity
Regulates the activity of collecting, processing, analysing, exchanging and providing credit information and credit-related products.
Authorised operator
Provides the legal basis for the authorised credit-information company and its functions in the UAE credit-reporting system.
Information providers
Requires banks, financial institutions and other designated providers to supply required credit information accurately and in accordance with the applicable schedule and technical requirements.
Credit reports and products
Regulates access to credit-information reports and related products by persons legally entitled to obtain them.
Data quality and correction
Provides mechanisms for maintaining accuracy and for handling disputes, corrections or updates where credit information is challenged.
Confidentiality
Protects credit information from unauthorised disclosure, access or use and imposes duties on persons handling such data.
Rights and obligations of recipients
Requires report recipients to use information only for authorised purposes and to protect the information received.
Supervision and enforcement
Provides regulatory and enforcement measures, including penalties for specified violations of the credit-information framework.
Executive regulations
Cabinet Resolution No. (115) of 2021 and its amendments provide operational rules concerning the credit bureau, information providers, reports and user rights.
Verification
Official source & references
Official legislation sourcehttps://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/1074Open ↗This page is a research and educational resource. Legislation can be amended, repealed, supplemented by regulations or interpreted by courts and authorities. Obtain advice before relying on it for a live matter.