UAE Free Zone DUNS Number and Company Credit Profile Guide 2026
A Dun and Bradstreet DUNS number and company credit profile help UAE free zone companies win international contracts. Here is the 2026 guide.
In this guide:
What Is a DUNS Number?
- DUNS: Data Universal Numbering System; unique 9-digit identifier for businesses
- Issued by: Dun and Bradstreet (D&B)
- Uses: US government contracting requires DUNS (now replaced by UEI for SAM.gov); many large corporations require DUNS from suppliers
Why UAE Free Zone Companies Need a DUNS Number
- US government contracting: Required for SAM.gov registration (US federal contracts)
- Fortune 500 supplier onboarding: Many large US and European companies require DUNS from new suppliers
- B2B credibility: DUNS-listed companies have a verifiable business credit profile
How to Get a DUNS Number for UAE Company
- Apply online: Apply via D&B website (dnb.com); free for basic registration
- Information needed: Company name, address, number of employees, annual revenue estimate, business description
- Timeline: 30 days for standard; expedited option available
- Cost: Free for standard registration
Building a D&B Business Credit File
- Trade references: Ask suppliers to report your payment history to D&B
- Bank reference: Banking relationship reported helps build credit file
- D&B PAYDEX Score: 80-100 is excellent; based on payment timeliness