How to request a loan deferment from a UAE bank - email template included

To request a loan deferment from a UAE bank, send a short factual email that explains your temporary hardship, confirms your intent to pay, and asks for a specific relief option. Most UAE banks — including Emirates NBD, ADCB, and Dubai Islamic Bank — have processes for this. Here's how to do it right.

What is a loan deferment?

A loan deferment temporarily pauses or reduces your monthly payments without treating it as a default. Banks offer this because they'd rather you pay later than not at all.

Typical deferment options include:

• Payment holiday — 1-3 months with no payments (interest may still accrue)
• Reduced payments — pay a smaller amount for a set period
• Loan restructuring — extend the term to lower monthly payments permanently

Who qualifies for a deferment?

UAE banks typically consider deferment requests when:

• You have a genuine temporary hardship (job loss, medical emergency, salary delay)
• You were previously a good customer (few or no missed payments before)
• You contact them before the situation becomes severe
• You can show a realistic path back to regular payments

The key word is "temporary." Banks want to see evidence that your situation will improve.

The best way to request a deferment

Step 1: Gather your information

Before contacting the bank, prepare:

• Your loan account number
• Your Emirates ID
• A brief explanation of your hardship (1-2 sentences)
• The specific relief you're requesting (e.g., "3-month payment holiday")
• The date you expect to resume normal payments

Step 2: Contact the bank

You have three options:

1. Email — recommended because it creates a paper trail
2. Phone — faster but harder to document
3. Branch visit — good for complex situations

If calling, follow up with an email summarising what was agreed.

Step 3: Be specific and honest

Banks respond better to specific requests than vague pleas. "I need a 2-month payment deferment while I look for a new job after redundancy" is better than "I can't pay right now."

Email template for loan deferment request

Here's a template you can adapt. Replace the bracketed sections with your details:

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Subject: Request for Temporary Payment Relief — Loan Account [LOAN NUMBER]

Dear [Bank Name] Customer Service,

I am writing regarding my personal loan account [LOAN NUMBER] to request temporary payment assistance.

Current situation: Due to [brief explanation — e.g., "recent redundancy" / "a medical emergency that required time off work" / "delayed salary payments from my employer"], I am temporarily unable to meet my regular monthly payments.

My request: I would like to request a [payment holiday for X months / reduced payment of AED X for X months / loan restructuring to extend my term].

My commitment: I have every intention of fulfilling my obligations. I expect to resume regular payments by [date] when [your plan — e.g., "I start my new job" / "my salary normalises" / "my medical treatment is complete"].

Supporting documentation: I can provide [employment termination letter / medical certificate / salary certificate] if required.

Please let me know what options are available and what documents you need from me.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Emirates ID Number] [Phone Number]

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What happens after you send the request

Typical bank response times:

• Emirates NBD: 5-7 business days
• ADCB: 3-5 business days
• Dubai Islamic Bank: 5-10 business days
• Mashreq: 3-7 business days

If you don't hear back, follow up with a call referencing your email date.

Tips for getting your deferment approved

1. Act early — request before you miss a payment, not after
2. Be honest — banks can verify your situation
3. Propose a specific plan — vague requests get vague responses
4. Get everything in writing — don't rely on verbal agreements
5. Keep paying what you can — partial payments show good faith

If the bank says no

Not all deferment requests are approved. If yours is rejected:

• Ask why and what alternative options exist
• Ask about loan restructuring instead of deferment
• Request a formal written response
• Consider seeking advice from a debt management professional

Sometimes a different department or escalation path gets different results.

Frequently asked questions

Will a deferment affect my AECB credit score?

It depends on how the bank reports it. A formal deferment agreement usually doesn't count as a missed payment. Ask the bank specifically: "Will this be reported as a default to AECB?"

Can I request deferment on multiple loans?

Yes. Send separate requests for each loan, mentioning that you're seeking relief on multiple accounts.

How many times can I request a deferment?

Most banks allow one deferment per loan per year. If you've already used your deferment, ask about restructuring instead.

Should I keep paying while waiting for approval?

If you can afford any amount, continue paying — even if less than the full installment. This shows good faith and prevents default reporting.

What if I've already missed payments?

You can still request deferment, but approval is harder. Acknowledge the missed payments in your email and explain what's changed.

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