The In-Country Value (ICV) program, initially launched in 2017, was formed to achieve Emiratization, GDP diversification, and strategic considerations for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group Companies. Over the years, different Government and semi-government companies have joined the program, expanding the scope of the ICV certification program to cater to suppliers from various sectors in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) transformed the Unified In-Country Value Program (ICV) into the National In-Country Value Program (ICV) in 2021. In order to achieve its goals, the initiative aims to increase the contribution of local industries to the national GDP and promote local businesses.
Under the program, the Ministry Certifying Bodies will issue a contribution to the local economy of the UAE certificate to suppliers as part of the program. Based on their ICV score, certified suppliers are given priority in contract and purchase awards. Suppliers must declare any achievements or certificates they have received as part of the ICV for the previous financial year. ICV achievements or ICV certificates for the past financial year need to be declared by suppliers.
When it comes to ICV Certification Services in Abu Dhabi, our priority is to help you acquire the best ICV certification results. As ICV certification is mandatory in UAE for entities that plan to do business with ADNOC or its group of companies, it is very important to get the certificate with a high score. So if you’re on the lookout for the ICV certificate, we can help you!
The ICV Certificate is verified and issued by authorized firms that have been approved by the MoIAT. There are professional firms called Certifying Bodies that provide ICV certification services throughout the UAE.
The ICV score plays an integral role in the evaluation of the bids and will give added weight to suppliers and vendors. Those who are indirectly involved with tenders also benefit from the ICV certification program, since ICV-certified suppliers spend that remains within the UAE or contributes to the UAE economy is included in ICV calculations.
As per the ICV guidelines, companies inside and outside the UAE can apply for an ICV Certification. All businesses that want to apply for governmental and semi-governmental procurements must have ICV certification. An ICV factor is given some weightage when evaluating tenders. This is not mandatory, though.
ICV Scores are calculated based on the economic value added within a country for the goods and services provided by the entity. The following factors are taken into account to determine the score, which is expressed as a percentage:
Investments
Manufactured goods
Emiratization
Bonus - Emirati headcount, Investment growth, and Export
Why it matters:
Required to qualify for ADNOC tenders
Boosts your supplier evaluation score
Increases chances of winning contracts
ICV scores are calculated based on the company’s contribution to the UAE economy through:
Local spending
Employment of Emiratis
Investment in the country
Other measurable economic factors
A score above 40% is generally considered competitive, while top-tier companies often reach scores of 80% to 90%. Improving ICV score in UAE increases your chances of winning tenders, and GAAP Associates provides targeted strategies to help you optimize this performance.
Step 1: Register on the ICV Portal
Sign in using your UAE pass on the official MoIAT platform.
Step 2: Upload Required Documents
Submit your audited financials, local spend, Emirati staff info, and licenses.
Step 3: Choose an Approved Certifier
Pick a MoIAT-approved certifying body to review your documents.
Step 4: Get Your Data Verified
The certifier checks your info and calculates your ICV score.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate
Once approved, you’ll get the ICV Certificate, valid for 14 months.
Step 6: Use and Renew
Use it for government tenders and renew before it expires.
The cost of obtaining an ICV Certificate varies depending on the company’s size, operational complexity, and the selected certifying body.
GAAP Associates offers:
Transparent pricing
Customized service packages
No hidden charges
Different industries in Abu Dhabi have varying ICV expectations:
Oil & Gas: High expectations around Emiratization and local sourcing, especially for ADNOC suppliers.
Construction & Infrastructure: Prioritize use of local materials and UAE-based subcontractors.
Manufacturing & Trading: Significant impact from in-country production and logistics.
GAAP Associates offers industry-tailored ICV consulting to ensure your certification aligns with sector benchmarks and expectations.
The entity's last audited IFRS financial statements should not be older than two years from the certification year to qualify for ICV certification.
For newly established companies (less than 10 months old), if they do not have audited financial statements, they can consider their management accounts for up to 10 months before the ICV calculation.
The ICV certificate must be used within 14 months after the release date of the audited financial statements.
GAAP Associates provides end-to-end ICV certification services, including:
Document preparation and compliance checks
Coordination with approved certifiers
Submission support and FFR guidance
Renewal reminders and updates
Our experienced team understands MoIAT and ADNOC guidelines thoroughly, ensuring your application meets all regulatory standards. We integrate ICV services with broader financial services like VAT advisory, bookkeeping, and audit to give you a seamless compliance experience. With GAAP Associates, you gain a reliable partner committed to your certification success.
Get Your ICV Certificate with GAAP Associates
Don’t let your business fall behind in competitive tenders due to a lack of compliance. GAAP Associates helps you secure your ICV and ISO certificate efficiently, with complete transparency and expert support. Contact us today for a free ICV readiness assessment, cost estimate, and step-by-step assistance through the certification process.
The UAE aims to strengthen supply chains, boost private sector self-reliance, and provide regional businesses with specialised knowledge in order to grow the regional economy.
organisations intending to participate in procurements are not required to apply for an ICV certificate. However, if they do not present their ICV certificate, their ICV score will be treated as zero throughout the financial evaluation.
The certificate is valid for 14 months starting on the date the company's financial statements were issued.
