What it means
Your total monthly debt repayments as a percentage of your salary. UAE rules generally cap it at 50%.
Loans
Debt Burden Ratio
Also: DBRYour total monthly debt repayments as a percentage of your salary. UAE rules generally cap it at 50%.
CategoryLoans
Pro tip inside1 quick win
What “Debt Burden Ratio” really means
The meaning, how it works in the UAE, and why it matters to your money.
How it works in the UAE
Banks add up your monthly repayments — loans, mortgage and a share of your credit card limits — and divide by your salary. Under UAE rules this generally cannot exceed 50%.
Why it matters
Your DBR decides how much you can borrow. If it's too high, your application can be declined or reduced.
EXAMPLE
Salary AED 20,000 and repayments AED 7,000 = 35% DBR.
PRO TIPClose credit cards you don't use — even unused limits can count towards your DBR.
Test yourself
Which of these best describes Debt Burden Ratio? Tap an answer.
Read more about Debt Burden Ratio
Guides that use this term — and a tool to put it into practice.
Loans
How much car can you really afford in the UAE?
The 20% down payment, the 50% debt rule and the costs nobody mentions in the showroom — a realistic way to set your car budget.
Loans
TRY THE TOOLThe 50% rule: debt burden ratio explained
Why the bank said "not more than this" — and how to calculate your own DBR before you apply.
Borrowing power check
Run your own numbers and see how Debt Burden Ratio affects you.