What is ICV Certification in UAE and How to get it?

In today’s competitive business world, companies are no longer judged solely on their profits — their contribution to the local economy matters just as much. This is where the ICV (In-Country Value) certificate becomes a game-changer for UAE businesses. The ICV certificate serves as a powerful tool that allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to supporting local industries, creating employment opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth across the UAE.

Getting an ICV certificate in Dubai can also give businesses a competitive advantage, especially when working with government and semi-government entities. It helps build trust, improve business opportunities, and strengthen relationships with local partners. 

As the demand for ICV UAE compliance continues to grow, more businesses are choosing to obtain certification to stay ahead in the market. In this guide, we’ll explain what the ICV program is, why it matters, and how businesses can get certified in the UAE. 

What is ICV Certification in the UAE? 

ICV (In-Country Value) Certification is a government-led initiative introduced by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to strengthen the national economy and encourage local business growth. The program evaluates the extent to which a company contributes to the UAE through its operations, spending, investments, and workforce development. 

The ICV certificate in UAE is becoming increasingly important for businesses involved in manufacturing, trading, construction, oil & gas, and professional services. Whether you are a startup or an established company, obtaining an ICV certificate in Dubai can strengthen your market position and increase business opportunities in the UAE.

The In-Country Value certificate in the UAE is issued after evaluating several factors, including: 

• Spending on local suppliers and services
• Use of UAE-manufactured products
• Investments made within the UAE
• Emiratisation and employee training initiatives
• Overall contribution to the national economy 

Today, many businesses operating in ICV Dubai and across the Emirates are applying for ICV in UAE programs to stay competitive and align with the country’s long-term economic vision. 

Businesses That Should Obtain an ICV Certification 

Below is the list of businesses that should obtain an ICV certificate in the UAE:  

1. Companies Working with Government and Semi-Government Entities 

Businesses that supply products or services to government-linked organisations should strongly consider obtaining an ICV certificate in the UAE.

Many entities under the ICV program prefer or prioritise suppliers with a strong ICV UAE score during tender evaluations. Without certification, companies may lose valuable opportunities. 

2. Manufacturing Companies 

Manufacturing businesses are among the biggest beneficiaries of ICV certification in the UAE. Since the program promotes local production and industrial growth, manufacturers with factories, local sourcing, and UAE-based operations can achieve higher ICV scores.

This includes industries such as: 

• Food manufacturing
• Construction materials
• Packaging
• Textiles
• Electronics
• Industrial equipment

3. Service-Based Businesses 

Service providers can also benefit from obtaining ICV certification services in the UAE. Companies offering consultancy, IT services, logistics, maintenance, facility management, marketing, engineering, and professional services often work with organisations that require suppliers to be ICV-certified. Having an ICV Dubai certification can improve credibility and business opportunities. 

4. Trading and Commercial Companies 

Import-export firms, wholesalers, distributors, and general trading companies should also consider the certification, especially if they deal with large corporate clients or government projects.

Although trading companies may have lower local manufacturing contributions, factors such as local staffing, office operations, and local procurement still contribute to the overall ICV in UAE score.

5. Oil, Gas, and Energy Sector Businesses 

The oil and gas industry was one of the first sectors to adopt the ICV program. Contractors, suppliers, engineering firms, and energy-related businesses often require an ICV certificate in the UAE to participate in projects with ADNOC and other major entities. For such companies, the certification is not just beneficial; it is often essential. 

6. SMEs and Startups 

Even small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from ICV certification UAE. As more companies adopt supplier evaluation systems based on ICV scores, startups and SMEs with certification gain a competitive edge.

Obtaining an ICV certificate in UAE early can help businesses build stronger partnerships and access new opportunities as they grow. 

Why is ICV Certification Important in the UAE? 

An ICV certificate in the UAE offers several advantages: 

• Improves chances of winning tenders and contracts
• Enhances business reputation and credibility
• Demonstrates support for the UAE economy
• Encourages local partnerships and sourcing
• Helps businesses align with national economic goals

As the UAE continues to strengthen local economic development, ICV UAE certification is becoming an important business requirement across multiple industries. 

Objectives of the National ICV Program in the UAE 

The National ICV Program was introduced to strengthen the UAE’s economy and encourage businesses to contribute more to the country’s growth.

Companies applying for an ICV certificate in the UAE are not only improving their business profile but also supporting local industries, employment, and investment opportunities across the country. 

Here are some of the main objectives of the program: 

1. Strengthening the UAE Economy

One of the program’s biggest goals is to keep more business value within the country. By encouraging companies to buy, invest, and operate locally in the UAE. The ICV UAE program helps boost economic growth and supports long-term diversification beyond the oil and gas sectors. 

2. Encouraging Local Business Growth 

Businesses with an ICV certificate in the UAE are encouraged to work with local suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers. This helps small and medium-sized enterprises grow and creates a stronger local supply chain across different industries. 

3. Creating More Opportunities for Emiratis 

The program also focuses on increasing job opportunities for UAE nationals. Companies applying for an in-country value certificate in the UAE are encouraged to hire, train, and develop Emirati talent, helping build a skilled local workforce for the future. 

4. Bringing Innovation and Expertise to the UAE 

The National ICV Program motivates international companies to bring advanced technologies, industry knowledge, and expertise into the country. This benefits both local businesses and the overall business environment in Dubai and across the UAE. 

5. Attracting Quality Foreign Investment 

The ICV certification UAE program encourages foreign investors to contribute directly to the local economy rather than merely generating profits. Businesses with an ICV certificate in Dubai often have better opportunities to work on government and semi-government projects that support national economic development. 

6. Supporting Business Expansion in Dubai and the UAE 

For many companies, obtaining an ICV certificate in Dubai improves their credibility and competitiveness in the market. It shows commitment to the UAE economy and can help businesses secure new contracts and partnerships in both public and private sectors.

Today, ICV Dubai has become an important part of doing business in the UAE, especially for companies seeking to grow sustainably and build strong relationships in the UAE market. 

What is an ICV Score? 

It’s a metric used to assess a company’s contribution to the UAE’s economy. The higher the score, the greater the perceived benefit the company brings to the country. 

Tiers and ICV Scores 

• Tier 1 Suppliers: These are companies directly providing goods or services to government entities or program partners. Tier 1 suppliers typically need to declare their ICV score as a key part of the tender evaluation process.
• Tier 2 and Below: While not always mandatory, obtaining an ICV certificate in Dubai can be beneficial for these suppliers (companies supplying to Tier 1) to improve their competitiveness in tenders.

During government tenders, companies submit bids. The ICV score is considered alongside other bid criteria, such as price and technical expertise. A higher ICV score indicates a greater contribution to the UAE’s economy, making the bid more attractive and potentially increasing the chances of winning the tender. 

ICV Certificate Requirements in the UAE 

To apply for an ICV certificate in UAE, businesses must provide accurate financial and operational details that reflect their contribution to the local economy. The ICV certification UAE process mainly evaluates how much value a company creates within the country through its spending, hiring, and investments. 

Here are some of the common requirements for obtaining an ICV certificate in the UAE: 

1. Local Procurement and Spending 

Companies applying for ICV in UAE should show that they purchase goods and services from suppliers based within the UAE. Higher local spending can positively impact the company’s ICV score. 

2. Employment of UAE Nationals 

Businesses are encouraged to hire and support Emirati talent. Having UAE nationals as part of the workforce can strengthen your ICV Dubai profile and improve your overall certification score. 

3. Investment Within the UAE 

Organisations must provide records of business investments made within the country, including equipment, infrastructure, office setups, manufacturing facilities, and other operational assets. 

4. Audited Financial Statements 

To obtain an ICV certificate in Dubai, companies are generally required to submit audited financial statements prepared in accordance with approved accounting standards. 

5. Operational Presence in the UAE 

Businesses seeking ICV certification in the UAE should have active operations within the country, demonstrating their direct contribution to economic growth and development. 

Obtaining an ICV certificate in the UAE helps businesses improve their market credibility and increases opportunities to work with government entities and major private sector companies across the UAE. 

How to Get an ICV Certificate in the UAE? 

Obtaining an ICV certificate in the UAE is a straightforward process when your documents and financial records are properly prepared. The ICV certification process in the UAE is designed to evaluate how much your business contributes to the UAE economy through local spending, investments, and employment. 

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to getting your ICV certificate in Dubai: 

Step 1: Check Your Business Eligibility 

First, identify whether your company requires ICV in the UAE. Businesses involved in sectors such as oil & gas, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and government contracting are strongly encouraged to obtain an ICV certificate in the UAE, especially when applying for tenders and contracts. 

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents 

Before starting the ICV Dubai application process, gather all the necessary documents, including: 

• Audited financial statements prepared under IFRS standards
• Management accounts for newly established companies
• Details of purchases made from UAE-based suppliers
• Employee information, including Emirati workforce details
• Records of company investments and assets within the UAE

Having accurate documentation helps speed up the ICV certification and UAE approval process. 

Step 3: Choose an Approved ICV Certifying Body 

To apply for an ICV certificate in the UAE, businesses must work with a certifying body approved by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). The certifying agency will review your financial and operational data and calculate your ICV score. 

Step 4: Complete the ICV Template 

The next step is filling out the official ICV template with your company’s operational and financial information. Ensure all figures match your audited reports to avoid delays during evaluation. 

Step 5: Submit Your Application for Evaluation 

Once the template and documents are ready, submit them to the selected certifying body. They will assess your business activities, local procurement, Emiratisation efforts, and investments to determine your ICV score. 

Step 6: Receive Your ICV Certificate 

After successful verification, the certifying body will issue your official ICV certificate in Dubai. The certificate is generally valid for one year and can help your business access better opportunities in both government and private-sector projects across the UAE. 

With a valid ICV certificate in the UAE, companies can improve their credibility, strengthen their market position, and increase their chances of securing high-value contracts. 

Benefits of Obtaining ICV Certification in the UAE 

Obtaining ICV Certification in the UAE offers several advantages for businesses, especially those looking to expand their operations or participate in government projects. 

1. Strong Advantage in Government Tenders 

Especially in sectors like oil & gas, construction, transportation, and healthcare, the government tends to prioritise companies with high ICV scores. 

2. Signals Commitment to UAE’s Development 

An ICV certificate showcases your company’s positive contribution to the UAE’s economic growth and diversification goals. This can attract potential business partners, investors, and clients. 

3. Long-Term Partnerships 

Building a strong ICV profile can lead to long-term partnerships and collaborations with government entities, major corporations, and other stakeholders in the UAE.  

4. Improved Supply Chain Efficiency 

The focus on local sourcing encouraged by ICV can help companies optimise their supply chains and potentially reduce costs.  

5. Potential Financial Incentives  

The UAE government is also planning to introduce financial incentives, such as tax breaks or grants, for companies with high ICV scores. An ICV certification positions you to benefit from such future programs. 

Get Help with ICV Certification with Shuraa Tax!  

Now you know ICV certification is a crucial requirement for businesses in the UAE looking to participate in government contracts. It not only showcases a company’s commitment to supporting the local economy but also opens up opportunities for government contracts.

While the application process may involve compiling documents and meeting specific criteria, seeking guidance from a qualified tax advisor can ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Shuraa Tax, a group of knowledgeable and qualified accountants, auditors, and tax advisors in Dubai, UAE, can assist you in understanding the ICV program, gathering the necessary documentation, and successfully completing the application process.

Contact Shuraa Tax today at +971508912062 or info@shuraatax.com to learn more about how ICV certification can benefit your business in the UAE. 

FAQs 

Q1. How is the ICV Score Calculated for an ICV Certificate? 

Your ICV score is a combination of several factors that reflect your company’s contribution to the UAE economy. This generally includes:  

• Economic Contribution
• Workforce and Talent Development
• Investment (property, plant & equipment)
• Revenue from exports 

Q2. Is there an eligibility criterion to get ICV certification? 

ICV certification isn’t mandatory for all businesses. However, it’s mandatory for companies working directly with ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) and its subsidiaries to have ICV certification. Businesses seeking to participate in government tenders (especially in oil & gas, construction, transportation, and healthcare) are strongly encouraged to obtain certification.

Q3. Can foreign companies obtain ICV Certification? 

Yes, foreign companies operating in the UAE can obtain ICV certification. The program encourages foreign companies to contribute to the local economy by hiring locally, sourcing from UAE suppliers, and investing in the country. 

Q4. How long does the ICV certification process take? 

The processing time for ICV certification typically takes 7 to 14 working days, assuming you promptly provide all required information to the certifying body. 

Q5. How long is an ICV certificate valid? 

The ICV certificate is valid for 14 months from the date your audited financial statements are issued. During this period, companies can apply for recertification with the same financial statements, but the validity remains 14 months from the initial issuance. 

Q6. What is the cost of obtaining ICV (In-Country Value) Certification in UAE? 

There isn’t a fixed price for obtaining ICV certification in the UAE. The cost typically varies depending on a few key factors such as company size, certifying body, and application complexity.