What Is ICV Certificate in Dubai, UAE? - A Complete Guide for 2025

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If you’re running a business in the UAE and want to work with government-related organizations or participate in tenders, you’ve probably heard about the ICV Certificate. But what is an ICV Certificate, why is it important in Dubai, and how do you obtain one?

In today’s competitive landscape, understanding the In-Country Value (ICV) program is crucial if you want to thrive in public procurement, support UAE Vision 2030, and build stronger ties with entities like ADNOC. This guide breaks down every aspect of the ICV Certificate—its definition, calculation, benefits, application steps, and how to stay compliant.

What Is the ICV Certificate?

The In-Country Value Certificate (ICV) is a government initiative developed under the guidance of ADNOC and later expanded by other key UAE entities such as Aldar, Etihad Rail, and Abu Dhabi Ports. It measures the extent to which your company contributes economically to the United Arab Emirates.

Launched in 2018, the program was created to align with UAE Vision 2030, which focuses on diversifying the national economy, promoting Emiratization, and increasing reliance on local suppliers.

It does this by scoring your business based on your operational footprint in the country, such as how many UAE nationals you employ, where you buy your materials, and how much you invest locally.

The ICV Certificate assigns you a score, expressed as a percentage, that reflects how much value your company adds within the country. This score is a key criterion used by participating government entities when awarding contracts.

Why Was the ICV Program Introduced?

The primary aim of the ICV program is to stimulate the UAE’s non-oil economy, reduce dependency on imports, and build a robust local supply chain. It serves three key goals:

Boosting Emiratization by creating employment opportunities for UAE nationals.
Encouraging local procurement of goods and services to strengthen domestic industries.
Enhancing GDP contribution from private sector companies and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

The program is a part of the UAE’s shift from oil dependency to an innovation-driven and sustainable economic model, where businesses are expected to give back to the local ecosystem through investment, sourcing, and hiring practices.

Who Needs to Obtain an ICV Certificate?

If your company is bidding on or participating in tenders with ADNOC or any other ICV-participating entity, you are required to obtain an ICV certificate. This includes:

Main contractors applying for public or semi-government projects
Subcontractors supplying goods or services in the project’s supply chain
Vendors, distributors, and consultants partnering with compliant firms
Free zone and mainland companies with operational licenses in the UAE

Even foreign businesses operating in the UAE are eligible, as long as they possess a valid trade license and carry out economic activity in the region.

What Are the Benefits of Holding an ICV Certificate?

Securing an ICV Certificate provides a competitive advantage for your business and unlocks numerous opportunities within the public sector. Key benefits include:

Priority in tenders: Companies with high ICV scores are given preference in procurement bids by ADNOC and other entities.
Stronger market positioning: Demonstrates your alignment with UAE national goals.
Eligibility for long-term contracts: Many large-scale infrastructure projects now require an ICV Certificate as a prerequisite.
Enhanced trust and transparency: Certified companies are seen as responsible contributors to the local economy.
Support for strategic partnerships: Multinational corporations increasingly seek ICV-certified subcontractors and suppliers to remain compliant.

In a competitive and regulation-driven business environment like the UAE, having an ICV Certificate not only strengthens your position in tenders but also showcases your company’s alignment with national priorities.

By securing this certification, you’re not just ticking a compliance box—you’re actively contributing to the UAE’s long-term economic vision while opening doors to larger, more strategic business opportunities.

How Is the ICV Score Calculated?

Your ICV score is calculated based on your audited financial statements and supporting documentation. The ICV template provided by your certifying body captures various cost and investment elements, which are then assigned weightages based on their impact on the UAE economy.

Category	Weight (%)
Emiratization	25%
Investment in the UAE	15%
Procurement from UAE Vendors	30%
Exports Outside UAE	10%
Training for UAE Nationals	10%
Local Manufacturing	10%

Each component is evaluated through actual financial records, invoices, HR reports, and supplier engagement. For example, if 50% of your procurement is from UAE-based vendors, you score proportionally under that category.

The higher the overall percentage, the more “valuable” your company is considered in contributing to the UAE economy.

What Is the ICV Certification Process?

To apply for and receive your ICV Certificate, your company must undergo an audit conducted by a certified ICV verifying body. These certifiers are listed and approved by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain an ICV Certificate:

Step 1: Prepare audited financial statements (must follow IFRS and be no older than two years)

Step 2: Appoint a MoIAT-approved certifying body

Step 3: Complete the ICV template with company-specific data

Step 4: Submit supporting documentation, including:

Payroll and Emirati employee data
Procurement invoices
Investment statements
Training expenses and programs

Step 5: Certifier reviews data, clarifies discrepancies, and issues the certificate

Once issued, the certificate is valid for 14 months from the date of issuance, not from the end of the financial year.

What Documents Are Required for the ICV Certificate?

You’ll need to submit comprehensive records to prove your local economic contribution. These documents form the foundation of your ICV evaluation.

Key Required Documents:

IFRS-compliant audited financial statements (within 2 years)
Valid UAE trade license(s)
Detailed employee payroll, broken down by nationality
List of suppliers with proof of local purchases
Proof of capital investment (machinery, infrastructure, etc.)
Evidence of training and Emiratization efforts
Previous ICV certificates (if any, for renewal or revision)

Certifiers may request additional supporting documents depending on your business complexity or industry.

What Are the Costs Associated With the ICV Certificate?

There is no fixed government fee for the ICV certificate, but you must pay the certifying auditor for their review and issuance. The cost generally depends on:

Company size
Number of business activities and licenses
Volume of transactions
Number of employees and vendors involved

Most certifications fall in the AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 range. Multi-license companies or complex operations may incur higher costs.

How Do You Renew or Update the ICV Certificate?

Since the certificate is valid for 14 months, renewal should begin at least 2 months before expiration. You’ll need to provide updated financial statements and revised ICV data reflecting any changes in your operations.

If your company undergoes restructuring, adds new licenses, or changes ownership, a revised certificate may also be required. Some businesses reapply after boosting their Emiratization or shifting procurement locally to improve their score.

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

Several businesses unintentionally delay their certification or reduce their ICV scores due to avoidable errors. These include:

Submitting outdated or unaudited financials
Incomplete or inconsistent procurement records
Lack of documentation for employee training
Misclassification of costs
Choosing non-approved certifying bodies

To avoid these, always consult with ICV experts or approved auditors before initiating the process.

How Does the ICV Certificate Align with UAE Vision 2030?

The ICV program is a direct extension of UAE Vision 2030, which focuses on sustainability, economic diversification, and creating a globally competitive knowledge economy. By encouraging businesses to hire locally, purchase locally, and invest domestically, the ICV program strengthens the UAE’s economic independence and stability.

This strategic approach ensures that a greater portion of the wealth generated within the UAE remains within its borders, supporting job creation, SME growth, and infrastructure development.

Businesses that align with this vision are likely to benefit from long-term governmental support, easier access to contracts, and increased investor interest.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what is ICV certificate is, it’s clear that this isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a strategic asset. Holding an ICV Certificate is key to unlocking new opportunities, especially with government-backed infrastructure, oil and gas, and real estate projects in Dubai and beyond.

Whether you’re a startup or a multinational enterprise, aligning your operations with the ICV framework helps you win contracts, support local growth, and become a preferred partner for leading UAE institutions.

Preparing early, maintaining transparency, and working with certified auditors are your best steps toward compliance and long-term business success in the UAE.