ICV Certification in UAE
The UAE government launched the In-Country Value (ICV) program to boost its local economy and strengthen domestic industries. This initiative encourages businesses to buy goods and services from UAE-based suppliers. It also promotes local investments, job creation, and competitiveness among UAE companies.
An important part of this initiative is the ICV Certification in UAE, which shows how much a company contributes to the national economy. When a business earns an ICV certificate, it demonstrates a strong commitment to the country’s growth goals. Getting certified also increases opportunities to win government tenders and long-term contracts.
Companies that aim to grow in the UAE should understand how the ICV program works. The ICV Certification is not just a legal formality — it’s a recognition of economic value creation and sustainable progress.
Understanding ICV Certification in UAE
The In-Country Value (ICV) Certification was introduced by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The main goal is to assess how businesses contribute to the local economy through hiring, sourcing, and investment.
The certification measures several factors:
- How much a company spends on local suppliers.
- How many UAE nationals it employs.
- How much it invests in infrastructure and services within the country.
ICV Certification Services in UAE help redirect public spending toward local industries. It promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability while supporting long-term national goals.
This program, now managed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), aligns businesses with the UAE’s vision of sustainable development and economic diversification.
Main Objectives of ICV Certification
The ICV program aims to build a strong, self-reliant economy. Its primary objectives include:
- Encouraging Local Investment: Businesses are motivated to source materials and services locally.
- Supporting Emiratisation: The program helps create jobs by encouraging companies to hire and train UAE nationals.
- Enhancing Local Content: More use of UAE-based goods and services supports local manufacturers and service providers.
- Evaluating Business Impact: The certification fairly measures a company’s actual contribution to the economy.
Through these goals, the program strengthens the UAE’s industrial base and promotes sustainable development.
What the ICV Certification Program Offers
The ICV Certificate Program offers tangible advantages for businesses across all sectors.
- Official Recognition: Certified companies gain acknowledgment for supporting the UAE’s economy.
- Competitive Advantage: Government bodies prefer working with certified companies in tenders and contracts.
- Clear Compliance Guidelines: The program provides a framework for maintaining compliance with national economic goals.
- Access to Expert Advice: Companies can consult professionals who specialize in helping them improve their ICV score.
Businesses that complete the certification process can showcase their commitment to local growth, giving them an edge in a competitive market.
Who Should Obtain ICV Certification in UAE
ICV certification is valuable for businesses that want to participate in public or private contracts. It’s particularly relevant for:
- Oil and Gas Companies: Businesses operating in this sector must often provide ICV certificates for major contracts.
- Manufacturers and Service Providers: Local and international companies that produce or supply goods in the UAE benefit from certification.
- Investors Committed to Local Growth: Businesses aiming to strengthen partnerships with local suppliers gain credibility through ICV.
The program welcomes all businesses that want to contribute positively to the UAE economy and meet MOIAT’s local value standards.
Benefits of ICV Certification in UAE
Getting certified brings multiple short- and long-term benefits.
- Improved Market Reputation: The ICV certificate enhances a company’s image as a responsible and compliant business.
- Better Access to Tenders: Certified companies are given priority in government contracts.
- Supports National Vision: By meeting ICV requirements, businesses align themselves with the UAE’s 2031 vision.
- Financial Incentives: Some entities provide support or preference to certified firms.
- Encourages Partnerships: It helps attract investors and local partners seeking compliant and value-driven organizations.
When a business gains ICV certification, it positions itself for consistent growth and sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria for ICV Certification
Not every business automatically qualifies. Companies must meet specific eligibility standards, such as:
- Valid Trade License: The business must be officially registered within the UAE.
- Local Operation: The company should have a physical presence and actively provide goods or services.
- Sector-Based Compliance: Each industry follows unique ICV guidelines defined by MOIAT.
- Independent Audit: The company must undergo a verified audit by an approved certifying body.
Meeting these criteria ensures the business follows proper regulations before it earns certification.
How to Obtain an ICV Certificate in UAE
The process of getting certified involves several structured steps:
- Prepare Audited Financial Statements: Prepare company accounts as per International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). New firms (less than 10 months old) can use management accounts.
- Fill Out the ICV Template: The template, available on the MOIAT website, must be filled carefully to ensure accurate scoring.
- Choose an Approved Certifying Body: Approach a certification firm authorized by MOIAT.
- Submit Application and Documents: The certifying body will review all documents to verify accuracy.
- Assessment by the ICV Committee: The committee reviews the company’s contribution score.
- Receive Your ICV Certificate: Once approved, you’ll get an official certificate valid for the set period.
With expert guidance, this process becomes easier, faster, and more accurate.
Understanding the ICV Score and Its Value
The ICV score measures how much a company contributes to the UAE economy. It’s based on key factors like:
- Local Spend: Purchases from UAE-based suppliers.
- Local Content: Value of goods or services sourced domestically.
- Emiratisation: The percentage of UAE nationals in the workforce.
- Research and Development: Investment in innovation within the UAE.
A higher ICV score reflects greater national contribution. It increases chances of winning tenders and shows commitment to sustainable development.
The score also brings transparency, as it helps the government identify companies truly driving economic progress.
How to Improve Your ICV Score
Improving your score takes effort and smart planning. Businesses can adopt several strategies:
- Buy from Local Suppliers: Shift more of your procurement budget to UAE-based vendors.
- Hire and Train UAE Nationals: Invest in local talent to improve Emiratisation performance.
- Invest in R&D Projects: Contribute to local innovation and product development.
- Enhance Infrastructure: Support local construction, logistics, or industrial projects.
- Regularly Review Accounts: Ensure your company’s financial statements reflect compliance accurately.
Each improvement adds up to a higher ICV score, which brings more credibility and new business opportunities.
ICV Certificate Validity and Renewal Process
The ICV Certificate is usually valid for 12 to 18 months, depending on the certifying authority. After this period, it must be renewed.
To renew your certification:
- Submit Updated Records: Provide recent financial statements and procurement reports.
- Recalculate ICV Score: The certifying body reviews new data to determine your updated score.
- Audit for Accuracy: Independent auditors verify documents before renewal approval.
- Receive Renewal Confirmation: If all standards are met, a new certificate is issued for the next cycle.
Maintaining an active certification proves ongoing commitment to local economic growth.
Challenges Companies Face During ICV Certification
While the process is beneficial, many businesses face difficulties during certification. Common challenges include:
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing financial or operational records delay approval.
- Misunderstanding Scoring Rules: Not knowing how scores are calculated can lower your rating.
- Complex Guidelines: Different industries have varying ICV criteria that require professional help.
- Limited Local Sourcing: Some businesses depend too much on imports, which reduces their score.
Working with professionals ensures accurate evaluation and compliance with every guideline.
Outsourcing ICV Certification Support
Outsourcing to experts like Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing makes the process faster and easier. They provide step-by-step assistance, from template completion to audit preparation.
Benefits of outsourcing include:
- Correct and compliant documentation.
- Improved ICV scoring accuracy.
- Access to MOIAT-approved certifying bodies.
- Ongoing advisory for future renewals.
This approach saves time and ensures companies meet all legal and reporting requirements without stress.
Why Choose Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing for ICV Certification
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing is a trusted auditing and consultancy firm in Dubai that helps businesses achieve and maintain ICV certification. With a team of qualified experts and deep understanding of UAE regulations, the firm ensures complete accuracy and compliance.
Our services include:
- Preparing audited financial statements as per IFRS.
- Assisting in completing ICV templates.
- Coordinating with MOIAT-approved certifiers.
- Providing consultation to enhance ICV scores.
- Managing renewals and ongoing compliance reviews.
By choosing Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing, you get the confidence of professional handling and timely certification.
What Can Help – Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing
Getting an ICV Certification is a big step toward business credibility and long-term success. It proves that your company contributes meaningfully to the UAE’s economy. The process may seem challenging, but with Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing, it becomes a smooth and guided journey. Our specialists handle everything — from preparing documents to submitting applications — while ensuring full compliance with MOIAT standards. Remember, “a stitch in time saves nine,” and starting early helps you stay ahead in the competitive UAE market.
For more information:
- Visit our office: Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Contact / WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132
- Geo Coordinates: 25.2807189480206, 55.41846458517048
