How to Get an ICV Certificate in Dubai Easily?

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Have you ever wondered how your business can stand out in government tenders and contribute more to the UAE’s local economy? If you’re operating in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, securing an ICV certificate can significantly enhance your business credibility and open doors to bigger opportunities.

The In-Country Value (ICV) certificate has become a vital part of doing business in the UAE, especially for suppliers, contractors, and service providers who work with government and semi-government entities. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to improve your ICV score, understanding how it works is essential

. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what an ICV certificate is and why it’s important, to the step-by-step process to obtain one. Let’s explore how to turn ICV compliance into a competitive business advantage in Dubai.

What is an ICV Certificate in Dubai?

An ICV certificate in Dubai is a formal recognition issued to companies that contribute to the UAE’s local economy by employing Emiratis, investing locally, and sourcing goods and services within the country.

It was first launched by ADNOC in 2018 and later extended nationwide under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). This certification evaluates how much of your business operations support the UAE’s economic development.

It looks at your:

Local expenditure
Hiring and training of Emirati employees
Use of UAE-manufactured goods and services
In-country capital investments

Obtaining this certificate positions your company as a strong candidate when bidding for projects, especially with ADNOC, federal government bodies, and other national companies. It’s particularly important if your company supplies to the oil and gas, construction, transportation, healthcare, or manufacturing sectors.

If you’re operating in these industries, securing an ICV certificate isn’t just an advantage, it’s becoming a requirement. It shows your business aligns with national goals, helps build a stronger economy, and can increase your eligibility for more profitable contracts in the UAE.

Why Was the ICV Certificate Introduced?

The ICV certificate was introduced to strengthen the UAE’s local economy by encouraging businesses to reinvest within the country. Initially started by ADNOC, this initiative is now governed by MoIAT to ensure broader impact across sectors.

The program was launched to accomplish three major national objectives:

Boost GDP growth: By sourcing goods and services locally and attracting foreign investments.
Create job opportunities: Especially for Emiratis, ensuring employment growth in the private sector.
Drive technology advancement: Through higher R&D investments and innovation in local industries.

Rather than depending heavily on international suppliers, the UAE aims to localize essential services and production processes. Businesses that contribute to this vision by building local supply chains and hiring UAE nationals are rewarded through higher ICV scores.

The ICV program is designed to redistribute government and public company spending to improve local economic conditions. It encourages not only large corporations but also SMEs to become active participants in national development. Through this, the UAE ensures long-term sustainability in economic growth while maintaining global competitiveness.

Who Needs an ICV Certificate in Dubai?

If your business supplies products or services to government or semi-government entities in Dubai or the wider UAE, then you need an ICV certificate. Originally applicable only to suppliers working with ADNOC, the ICV certification requirement now spans across multiple sectors under MoIAT.

The following types of businesses must obtain the certificate:

Contractors and suppliers working with ADNOC
Vendors in sectors like oil and gas, construction, ICT, healthcare, and transport
Companies participating in public tenders with federal or local authorities

Even if your business is not mandated to get the certificate, it’s often a strong advantage during competitive bid evaluations. Many companies now proactively apply for it to improve their chances in high-value contracts.

To qualify, your business must:

Be legally registered and licensed in the UAE
Have a physical presence in the country
Provide goods or services that contribute to the local economy

Whether you’re a startup or a multinational firm, being ICV-certified means you’re aligning with the UAE’s development strategy, and this adds long-term value to your operations and partnerships.

What Are the Key Benefits of Getting an ICV Certificate?

Acquiring an ICV certificate in Dubai provides both strategic and financial advantages for your business. It’s not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a tool to drive growth, secure contracts, and demonstrate commitment to the UAE’s economy.

Here are the top benefits:

Increased Tender Opportunities: You gain a competitive edge when bidding with ADNOC, government departments, and national companies.
Local Preference: ICV-certified suppliers often get priority over foreign competitors.
Enhanced Business Reputation: Showcasing your ICV score proves your contribution to national growth, boosting your credibility.
Support for Emiratization: Aligning your hiring practices with national employment goals increases your score.
Improved Supply Chain Resilience: Local sourcing and investments lead to stronger, more efficient operations.

Additionally, companies with higher ICV scores are more likely to be awarded long-term contracts and strategic partnerships. The program also encourages businesses to expand their operations within the UAE, which leads to job creation and fosters a robust ecosystem of local vendors and service providers. Overall, ICV certification is an essential step if you’re aiming for growth and sustainability in the UAE market.

How Does the ICV Certification Process Work in the UAE?

Understanding how the ICV certification works is essential before starting the process. It involves assessing your company’s contribution to the UAE economy based on specific criteria established by MoIAT.

Here’s an overview of the process:

Financial Statement Preparation: Your most recent audited financials, based on IFRS standards, form the foundation of the evaluation.
Filling the ICV Template: This is a standardized form where you disclose figures such as local spending, Emirati employment, and investments.
Audit by an Approved Certifying Body: Only firms authorized by MoIAT can audit and issue the ICV certificate. They evaluate your template and documents.
ICV Score Calculation: Your ICV score is based on your input in the template. The higher your local contribution, the better your score.
Certificate Issuance: If your data is verified and meets the program criteria, a formal certificate is issued.

The ICV score is then used in bid evaluations for public projects. It reflects how much your business aligns with national economic goals. This structured process ensures transparency, compliance, and fairness, allowing businesses of all sizes to participate.

Companies that continuously improve their ICV scores year after year are better positioned to maintain and grow their contract opportunities within the UAE.

What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Get an ICV Certificate in Dubai?

Before you apply for an ICV certificate, it’s essential to understand each stage. The process involves financial preparation, documentation, and working with MoIAT-approved bodies. Here’s how you can begin:

Step 1: Prepare Audited Financial Statements

Start by ensuring your company’s financial statements are audited according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). If your business is new and under 10 months old, management accounts are accepted. This forms the core data needed for your ICV application.

Step 2: Fill Out the ICV Template

This standard document gathers information on local sourcing, Emirati employment, and capital investments. Ensure the data is complete and matches your financial reports. Follow the instructions provided by MoIAT strictly while filling out the form.

Step 3: Choose an Approved ICV Certifying Body

Choose a certifying body approved by MoIAT to assess your ICV application. These firms are qualified to audit your documents and calculate your score accurately. Always verify their approval status before proceeding.

Step 4: Undergo an Audit and Evaluation

Your chosen certifier will audit your ICV template and other supporting documents. They may perform an on-site audit to verify your submission and ensure the accuracy of the numbers provided.

Step 5: Receive Your ICV Certificate

Once everything is validated, you’ll be issued the ICV certificate. This document confirms your ICV score and is valid for 14 months from the date of your audited financials.

By following these steps closely, you can ensure your business is ICV-compliant and ready to bid for new contracts.

What Are the ICV Evaluation Criteria?

Your ICV score is calculated using a set of strict evaluation criteria established by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. These are designed to measure how well your business supports the UAE’s local economy.

Here’s what is assessed:

Local Goods and Services Spend: Amount spent on products and services sourced within the UAE.
Emirati Employment: Hiring and training of UAE nationals in your workforce.
Investment Within the UAE: Capital injected into infrastructure, machinery, or technology in the UAE.
Expatriate Contributions: Revenue earned by expatriates and reinvested locally.
Payments to Government Authorities: These are counted as 100 percent local contributions.
Credit to Mainland Suppliers: Businesses registered in mainland UAE receive ICV credit bonuses.
Rental and Utility Payments: Eligible for partial credit if documented properly.
Owner Salary Under WPS: Counted up to a maximum threshold if registered under the Wage Protection System.

Each of these metrics contributes to your final ICV score. The more you align with local sourcing and Emiratization, the better your score will be. This score determines your advantage in procurement processes with public sector entities.

How Long Is an ICV Certificate Valid and When Should You Renew It?

An ICV certificate in Dubai remains valid for 14 months from the date of your audited financial statements or until you issue new audited financials, whichever comes first. After this period, you must renew the certificate to maintain your eligibility in public and government-linked tenders.

Here’s what to know about renewal:

Submit Updated Financials: Prepare your latest audited financial statements in compliance with IFRS.
Update the ICV Template: Reflect the changes in your operations and financials in the updated ICV form.
Re-Audit by Approved Body: A fresh audit is mandatory, even for renewals, to ensure ongoing compliance.
Maintain Consistent Score: Companies must show they still meet the criteria to avoid a drop in score.

Renewing your ICV certification each year ensures you continue enjoying the benefits of local preference in tender bids and remain aligned with the UAE’s economic vision. If you don’t renew, your existing certificate becomes invalid and may limit your chances of winning future government or ADNOC-related projects.

What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid in the ICV Application?

Mistakes during the ICV application process can delay or even disqualify your business from certification.

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth approval process:

Submitting unaudited or outdated financials: Only IFRS-compliant audited statements are accepted.
Incomplete or incorrect ICV template entries: Any errors in the template will delay certification.
Working with non-approved certifying bodies: Only firms recognized by MoIAT are authorized to issue ICV certificates.
Misreporting local contributions: Overstating Emirati employment or local purchases will be flagged during audits.
Not complying with WPS for salary records: Owner salaries are only counted if processed under the Wage Protection System.
Missing supporting documentation: All data entries must be backed by proper documentation and proof.

It’s also important not to leave renewal to the last minute. Failure to renew your certificate on time may prevent you from participating in time-sensitive tenders. By avoiding these errors, you can streamline your certification process and maintain a reliable and consistent ICV score across each fiscal year.

How Can You Improve Your ICV Score Over Time?

Your ICV score isn’t fixed, it can improve year after year with strategic business planning.

Here’s how you can work towards boosting your score and staying competitive:

Hire More Emiratis: Increase your Emirati workforce and invest in training programs.
Source Locally: Shift to UAE-based suppliers for goods and services wherever possible.
Invest in Local Infrastructure: Put capital into operations and assets within the UAE.
Pay Through Proper Channels: Ensure all payments, including rent and utilities, are made under your company name for full credit.
WPS-Compliant Salaries: Ensure that owner and employee salaries are registered through WPS to be counted.
Work with Mainland Vendors: Get rewarded for purchasing from UAE mainland-licensed suppliers.
Consider Lease Credits: Get up to 80 percent credit on direct lease contracts with landlords.

Each of these adjustments contributes positively to your ICV score. Over time, implementing these improvements not only boosts your evaluation but also deepens your integration into the UAE’s business landscape. Staying committed to local development practices will ensure long-term gains and business stability in the UAE.

Conclusion

The ICV certificate in Dubai is more than a regulatory measure, it’s a strategic tool for business growth. By aligning your operations with the UAE’s national priorities, you position your company as a leader in local contribution and economic development.

Whether you’re working with ADNOC, bidding for government contracts, or simply want to gain a competitive edge in the UAE market, the ICV certificate opens new doors and opportunities.

The process may seem detailed, but with proper preparation and an approved certifying body, it becomes a seamless journey. As the UAE continues to drive initiatives for economic sustainability, your ICV score will serve as proof of your dedication to that mission. Make it a goal not just to obtain the certificate but to continuously improve your ICV contributions for long-term success.