ICV Certificate 2025
The In-Country Value program, widely adopted in the Middle East including Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE has played a big role in boosting local economies and supporting the growth of both small and large businesses. Launched by ADNOC in 2018, the ICV Certificate 2025 initiative encourages companies to invest in local resources, hire Emirati talent, and support national development.
The ICV Certificate 2025 helps businesses prove their contribution to the UAE’s economy, making them more competitive when bidding on contracts, especially in sectors like oil and gas. The program is guided by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which ensures the process supports long-term value for the country. Companies looking to grow locally are encouraged to obtain this certificate to align with national goals and open up more opportunities in the UAE market.
What Does ICV Certification Mean in the UAE?
The ICV Certification is a government-backed initiative in the UAE launched by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to evaluate how much a company contributes to the local economy. This includes measuring the use of UAE-based goods and services, Emirati workforce involvement, and local investment especially within the oil and gas sector. The ICV Certificate is an official document that confirms a company’s local value contribution and plays a key role when bidding for government and ADNOC-related contracts.
In Abu Dhabi, the ICV Certificate is also tied to the Abu Dhabi Local Content Programme, introduced by the Department of Economic Development. The main goals of this initiative are to grow the UAE’s GDP by encouraging businesses to source more products and services locally, attract foreign investment, and strengthen the role of SMEs. It also aims to improve local workforce skills and boost Emirati participation in the private sector. On top of that, it supports innovation by pushing for more research, development, and technology use in UAE-based companies.
What Does the ICV Certificate Program Offer?
The ICV Certificate Program in the UAE provides companies with a chance to improve their standing in government-related contracts by measuring how much they contribute to the local economy. The program encourages businesses to increase their ICV Score by focusing on areas like Emiratization, local spending, and capital investment. It also opens the door to more business opportunities with key entities such as ADNOC and other government suppliers.
To take part in the ICV program, businesses need to have their financial statements audited in advance. That’s why audit firms in the UAE play a vital role in helping companies get ready by reviewing their accounts and making sure they meet all the ICV guidelines. These firms ensure everything is in place so the company can apply for the ICV Certificate without delays or compliance issues. The ICV Certificate Program doesn’t just boost local value; it also pushes companies to adopt stronger governance and financial discipline.
Objectives of the ICV Program
- Emiratization: Create more employment opportunities for UAE nationals in the private sector.
- GDP Diversification: Strengthen the UAE economy by encouraging local sourcing of goods and services.
- Strategic Localization: Focus on producing key components of the supply chain locally for vital sectors.
Importance of the ICV Certificate 2025
- While the ICV Certificate 2025 is not mandatory for participating in tenders, companies with the certificate have a competitive edge.
- Suppliers without the certificate are considered to have a 0% ICV score, reducing their chances of winning tenders.
- Public and private entities (PEs) strongly recommend suppliers to undergo the ICV evaluation process.
Key Benefits of ICV Certification in UAE
The ICV Certificate in UAE offers several valuable advantages for businesses and the wider economy. Since its launch, the program has helped create over 1,500 jobs for Emiratis in the private sector and contributed more than AED 44 billion (around $12 billion) to the national economy. Over 3,000 companies across the UAE have already received their ICV Certification, making it a strategic tool for business growth.
Here are some major benefits:
- Boosts Local Employment: The ICV framework encourages businesses to hire more Emiratis, helping the government achieve its Emiratization goals.
- Supports Economic Diversification: By focusing on sourcing goods and services locally, the program reduces dependence on imports and strengthens domestic industries.
- Improves Tender Opportunities: Businesses with ICV Certification enjoy a competitive edge when bidding for contracts, especially with ADNOC and other government-linked entities.
- Favors Local Manufacturers: ADNOC gives preference to local manufacturers and their agents during tender evaluations, which helps increase ICV scores and benefits local businesses.
- Strengthens Small and Medium Enterprises: SMEs benefit from easier access to supply chains and can grow more sustainably by aligning with ICV objectives.
- Encourages Local Investment: Companies are motivated to reinvest within the UAE, driving innovation and long-term economic development.
In essence, obtaining an ICV Certificate doesn’t just help businesses win more contracts it also supports national goals and enhances the overall business ecosystem in the UAE.
Which Businesses Need an ICV Certification?
Any company that supplies goods or services to ADNOC or its subsidiaries must obtain the ICV Certificate 2025. This includes a wide range of businesses such as drilling contractors, engineering service providers, logistics firms, and other ADNOC-related vendors.
Beyond the oil and gas sector, companies from different industries like construction, healthcare, and transportation especially those looking to win government contracts are also encouraged or sometimes required to get the ICV Certificate 2025. To complete the certification process, businesses must work with authorized certifying bodies. Currently, there are 23 approved firms offering this service, and AHG is one of the trusted names in the UAE helping companies get ICV-certified quickly and accurately.
Who Can Apply for ICV Certificate 2025
in the UAE To be eligible for the ICV Certificate 2025, companies in the UAE need to meet certain basic and industry-specific requirements. First, a business must be officially registered with the appropriate authorities and hold a valid trade license. It must also be physically operating within the UAE, offering either goods or services.
Beyond that, eligibility for the ICV Certificate 2025 depends on how well a company aligns with the specific standards set for its sector. These can include using local content in products and services, investing in local infrastructure, and hiring UAE nationals especially in industries like oil and gas.
To get certified, companies must undergo an independent audit by an authorized ICV certifying body. This body reviews the company’s performance based on ICV metrics and assigns a score that reflects the business’s contribution to the local economy. Ultimately, this certification proves a company’s commitment to supporting economic growth and national development in the UAE.
How to Get Your ICV Certificate 2025 in the UAE
To earn the ICV Certificate 2025 in the UAE, businesses must follow a few essential steps to meet the criteria set by ADNOC. These steps encourage companies to boost their local contribution by investing more in the UAE, sourcing from local vendors, and increasing the hiring of Emirati talent. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
- Prepare Audited Financial Statements: The first step is to have audited financial statements ready. For newer companies (less than 10 months old), management accounts based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) will be accepted. These reports bring transparency and build trust with stakeholders two things that are crucial when applying for the ICV Certificate 2025.
- Complete the ICV Template: Businesses must fill out the official ICV template, which gathers details like local sourcing, Emirati employment, and investments in the UAE economy. This template follows specific guidelines and helps calculate the company’s ICV score.
- Submit for Evaluation: Next, companies must submit the filled ICV form to an authorized certifying body approved by ADNOC. These auditors will review the template, verify the data, and may conduct an on-site audit to ensure everything checks out.
- Receive the ICV Certificate 2025: Once the certifying body confirms compliance, they will issue the ICV Certificate 2025. This certificate demonstrates a company’s commitment to the national economy and can give an edge in tenders and contracts with ADNOC and other government bodies.Let me know if you’d also like this turned into a visual checklist or infographic-style copy for your website or brochure.
How Long Is the ICV Certificate Valid in the UAE?
The ICV certification in the UAE is valid for 14 months from the date the audited financial statements are submitted, or until new financials are released whichever comes first. To continue enjoying the benefits of the program, companies must renew their ICV certificate once it expires.
For renewal, businesses are required to prepare updated audited financial statements and complete a new ICV template. The certifying authority will review the fresh documents, and if the company still meets the standards of the program, a new ICV certificate will be issued.
To avoid any issues at renewal time, it’s essential that businesses stay in line with ICV requirements throughout the year. Regularly monitoring and improving your ICV score can make the renewal process smoother and ensure continued eligibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a valid ICV certification is key for companies looking to stay competitive and benefit from government contracts in the UAE. By renewing the certificate every 14 months and staying aligned with the program’s standards, businesses can continue to support the country’s economic goals while strengthening their own market position. Staying proactive, keeping financial records updated, and consistently working to improve your ICV score will ensure long-term compliance and open doors to valuable opportunities across both public and private sectors.
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