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What Are the Benefits of Having an ICV Certificate in the UAE?

ByOlivia

In the competitive landscape of the UAE business environment, companies are constantly seeking ways to gain an edge, secure high-value contracts, and align with national development goals. One effective way to achieve all of this is by obtaining an In-Country Value (ICV) Certificate.

Introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), the ICV program aims to strengthen the UAE’s economy by promoting local manufacturing, increasing Emirati employment, and encouraging investments within the country. While it started with ADNOC in 2018, it has now expanded to other entities such as Etisalat, Aldar, and Mubadala.

If you’re wondering whether obtaining an ICV certificate in UAE is worth it, here’s a deep dive into the key benefits your business can gain by being ICV certified.

Here are the key benefits of having an ICV (In-Country Value) Certificate in the UAE:

1. Priority in Government Contracts

  • Companies with higher ICV scores receive preference in tenders issued by UAE government entities and ICV-participating companies such as:

    • ADNOC

    • Aldar

    • Etisalat

    • Mubadala

  • This can significantly increase your chances of winning high-value projects.

 2. Increased Business Opportunities

  • Being ICV-certified opens doors to long-term partnerships with major UAE companies.

  • You gain access to a wider range of projects where ICV compliance is mandatory or preferred.

 3. Competitive Advantage

  • A high ICV score distinguishes your business from non-certified competitors.

  • It reflects your commitment to local economic development, making your company more attractive to contracting authorities.

 4. Enhanced Corporate Reputation

  • Shows that your company aligns with the UAE’s national objectives like:

    • Economic diversification

    • Emiratization

    • Local sourcing

  • Strengthens your brand image as a responsible and compliant business.

5. Contribution to Economic Growth

  • By increasing local spend, hiring Emiratis, and investing within the UAE, you actively support the UAE’s long-term economic vision (e.g., Operation 300bn, UAE Industrial Strategy).

 6. Better Tender Scoring

  • In many tenders, ICV score is a weighted evaluation factor.

  • Even if your price isn’t the lowest, a high ICV score can help you win contracts based on overall value.

 7. Eligibility for Preferred Supplier Lists

  • ICV-certified vendors are often included in pre-approved supplier lists, improving your visibility and shortening sales cycles.

8. Support for Expansion

  • As part of the ICV ecosystem, your business becomes more aligned with UAE compliance standards, making future expansion smoother and more sustainable.

9. Long-Term Cost Efficiency

  • Local sourcing and in-country operations can lead to lower logistics costs, faster deliveries, and stronger local partnerships—leading to long-term savings.