The National In-Country Value Program (ICV) offers businesses operating within the United Arab Emirates a unique opportunity to showcase their commitment to country’s economic diversification strategy and promoting industrial growth. The ICV certificate is issued to suppliers based on their ICV score, reflecting their commitment to enhance the economic growth within the country. Attaining ICV certification holds a heightened level of importance for companies intending to secure contracts offered by prominent participating entities.

Who Needs an ICV Certificate?

Businesses registered in the UAE, both local and foreign, can enhance their competitiveness during tender process by obtaining the ICV certificate. This significance has escalated the program by supporting businesses of all sizes, shaping the nation’s economic landscape. Various industries and businesses can require the ICV Certificate UAE:

1. Oil and Gas Industry: The ICV program was an initiative taken in 2018 by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to enhance the economic growth of the UAE from country’s oil and gas reserves. Local and foreign companies who want to participate in the oil and gas projects within the UAE are required to obtain the ICV certificate to be eligible to bid for the projects in the tender bidding process. As a result, these companies drive economic growth in the UAE by engaging with local suppliers, investing in local talent, and collaborating with local industries.
2. Businesses Bidding for Government Contracts: Businesses need to obtain ICV certificate UAE to enhance their competitiveness, win bids, and secure government contracts within the UAE. One of the most compelling reasons for the companies to attain the ICV certificate is that it can gain up to 40% chances of the company to win contracts and projects in the bidding process, as the certificate demonstrates their commitment to supporting the local economy. Companies without the ICV certificate will reduce their chances of securing bids as their ICV score will be considered zero in the ICV certificate template.
3. Local Manufacturers and Suppliers: Companies engaged in manufacturing, processing, or supplying products can be leveraged to secure government contracts by possessing an ICV certificate. Local manufacturing industries, including electronics, aerospace, chemicals, and other industries, contribute to job creation, innovation and reduce reliance on imported goods and services. The manufacturing industry meets ICV requirements to ensure the sector’s continued growth and local participation by promoting local industries and generating employment opportunities.
4. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Small and medium enterprises who wants strategic collaboration with larger corporations, to become part of the supply chains of big companies, need to obtain ICV certificate. The ICV certificate plays a pivotal role when competing with other non-certified suppliers as it boosts their business by localizing the supply chains. The growth of SMEs reduces unemployment rates and promotes local economic development in the UAE.
5. Foreign Companies and Investors: The ICV certification process encourages foreign companies who want to invest in local industries to obtain ICV certificates. The ICV certificate indirectly benefits the local economy as it leads towards job creation, investment in the country and knowledge transfer.
6. Technology and Innovation Firms: The government of UAE places a strong emphasis on technological advancements, research, and development. In an era defined by technological advancement, obtaining an ICV certificate contribute to growth and expansion of companies who invests in Research and Development (R&D) sector by offering partnerships and collaborations in this direction.
7. Businesses are a part of the MoIAT database: Companies that possess the ICV certification becomes part of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s (MoIAT) database. Being part of the MoIAT database grants the ICV certified businesses priority to participate in various projects that are not posted as tenders.

Benefits of ICV Certificate

Economic Diversification: The UAE’s vision is to diversify the nation’s economy by reducing reliance on oil revenues. By encouraging businesses to invest in local industries beyond oil and gas, the program creates a self-sustaining economic ecosystem.

Local Job Creation: The ICV program’s focus on employing UAE nationals addresses a critical concern of unemployment. By compelling businesses on employing UAE nationals, the program ensures that the workforce of UAE remains competitive in the global market.

Sustainable Growth: Businesses that obtain an ICV certificate UAE positively impact the company’s reputation as they are more likely to be seen as socially responsible entities that prioritize sustainable growth in the country.

Is an ICV Certificate Mandatory?

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) encouraged companies to apply for the ICV certificate to achieve nation’s economic goals; however, obtaining an In-Country Value (ICV) certificate in the UAE is not mandatory. Although, having an ICV certificate is not compulsory, it provides certain advantages to the businesses who bid for government tenders. Companies with higher ICV scores are highly recommended by the ministry to participate in public sector contracts and tenders, promising greater opportunities of being awarded government deals.