Even with a Poor Credit Record, These 5 Banks in the UAE Are Still Likely to Lend in 2026

Unexpected expenses hit hard in the UAE: car repairs, medical bills, school fees, sudden rent increases, or simply bridging until the next salary. When the credit report shows multiple late payments, high utilisation, or even active collections, most conventional lenders reject applications quickly. Yet in 2026 several banks and regulated finance companies continue to review cases of heavily indebted individuals — especially when the purpose is debt consolidation or restructuring to bring monthly payments down to a more manageable level. These institutions focus primarily on current income stability (salary, business revenue, pension, documented allowances), ability to service the new instalment, and whether consolidating existing obligations into one facility actually reduces overall monthly burden. That explains why phrases such as quick loan Dubai, instant loan, instant loan Dubai, online loan in Dubai, and emergency cash loan Dubai continue to trend heavily on Facebook and TikTok feeds. Here are five institutions frequently mentioned in 2026 as having the highest likelihood of approving applications even when credit history is damaged.

1. Emirates NBD – Personal Loans & Debt Consolidation

Emirates NBD remains one of the most active lenders for salaried residents and business owners with past credit issues. The personal loan product allows consolidation of multiple existing liabilities (credit cards, other bank loans, finance company facilities) into a single facility. Amounts typically range from AED 20,000 to AED 2 million depending on salary and employer, with tenures up to 48–60 months.

The bank places significant weight on current salary transfers (especially when salary is already routed through Emirates NBD) and the reduction in total monthly obligations after consolidation. Many applicants with older missed payments but clean recent history receive approval. Applications can be submitted online via the Emirates NBD app or website, with most decisions returned within 24–72 hours and funds disbursed to the account shortly after.

2. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) – Salary-Based Personal Finance & Restructuring

FAB continues to offer personal finance facilities with relatively flexible underwriting for residents who have regular salary credits. Consolidation of existing debts is a common use case, with amounts up to AED 2–3 million possible for high earners and tenures reaching 48–60 months.

FAB evaluates current take-home pay and whether the new single instalment lowers overall monthly commitments. Approval chances improve markedly when salary has been credited to FAB for several months and recent payment behaviour shows improvement. The process is largely digital through the FAB Mobile app or online banking portal, with many approvals completed within 1–3 working days.

3. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) – Personal Loans & Debt Transfer

ADCB maintains a reputation for considering debt consolidation even when credit files contain older negatives. The personal loan allows transfer and combination of multiple obligations, with facility sizes typically AED 50,000–AED 1.5 million and repayment periods up to 60 months.

The bank focuses on present income stability and the extent to which the proposed single payment reduces current monthly strain. Cases where salary credits arrive regularly in ADCB and recent months show no new delinquencies often secure approval. Applications are submitted online via the ADCB app or website, with most decisions returned within 48–96 hours.

4. Mashreq Bank – Neo Personal Loan & Quick Finance

Mashreq’s digital-first Neo personal loan product and conventional personal finance remain accessible options in 2026 for applicants with challenged credit files. Amounts range from AED 5,000 to AED 1.5 million, with tenures up to 60 months.

Mashreq places emphasis on current salary inflow (particularly when salary is already with Mashreq) and the net reduction in monthly outgoings after debt combination. Approval rates are comparatively higher when recent payment behaviour has stabilised. The entire process can be completed online through the Mashreq NEO app or website, with many funds disbursed within 24–72 hours.

5. Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) – Personal Finance & Murabaha Restructuring

DIB offers Sharia-compliant personal finance facilities that allow consolidation of existing liabilities into one Murabaha-based structure. Facility sizes typically range from AED 20,000 to AED 2 million, with repayment terms up to 60 months.

The bank assesses current income streams and the reduction in monthly commitments post-restructuring. Cases with older irregularities but recent regular payments and salary routed to DIB frequently receive positive decisions. Applications are processed through the DIB Mobile app or branches, with disbursements usually occurring within 2–5 working days.

Practical Steps Before Applying in 2026

  1. Obtain the latest credit report from Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) to understand exactly what lenders see.
  2. Calculate approximate debt-to-income ratio: total current monthly obligations ÷ net monthly income. If below 50%, consolidation prospects improve significantly.
  3. Prepare core documents: Emirates ID, salary certificate (last 3–6 months), bank statements, and existing loan statements.
  4. Avoid submitting to multiple lenders simultaneously — each enquiry is recorded and can further impact the credit profile.
  5. When debts are very high, consider consulting a licensed debt adviser or the Central Bank’s consumer protection unit for guidance on formal restructuring.

Living in the UAE involves many financial pressures, and debt can accumulate rapidly. Yet in 2026 doors remain partially open for those with regular income. Consolidation, restructuring, or a new facility can sometimes provide the breathing room needed — provided the chosen product genuinely lowers monthly strain and repayment is strictly maintained.

Always verify current rates, fees, and eligibility directly on the bank’s official website or app, as terms and policies evolve frequently.