Comparing ICV Certification Requirements Across the Emirates

 

Comparing ICV Certification Requirements Across the Emirates

ICV certification in Dubai has become a key requirement for companies looking to participate in government and semi-government projects across the UAE. But how does it differ from ICV requirements in other Emirates like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah?

This article explores the similarities and differences in ICV (In-Country Value) certification standards across major Emirates, helping your business stay compliant and competitive in 2025 and beyond.

What Is ICV Certification?

ICV Certification, short for In-Country Value Certification, is a program launched under the UAE's National ICV Program. It evaluates how much a company contributes to the UAE economy through local spending, hiring, and investments. It’s especially critical for businesses bidding for contracts with ADNOC, Aldar, Mubadala, and other major government entities.

ICV Certification in Dubai

Key Features:

  • Governing Body: Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)

  • Mandatory for: Suppliers working with federal entities and local government bodies in Dubai

  • Process: Submit audited financials, complete ICV template, apply through approved certifying bodies

  • Validity: 14 months from the date of financial audit

  • Focus: Local procurement, Emirati workforce employment, investment in UAE

Dubai has fully adopted the Unified National ICV Program, which standardizes the ICV certification process across Emirates, but there are still nuances in enforcement and emphasis.

ICV Certification in Abu Dhabi

Key Differences:

  • Initially launched by ADNOC in 2018 and later expanded across Abu Dhabi entities

  • More established network of partners (e.g., Aldar, Musanada, ADDED)

  • Greater emphasis on Emiratisation and capital investment within Abu Dhabi

  • Abu Dhabi tenders often prioritize high ICV scores more aggressively in their evaluation

Similarities:

  • Same ICV calculation methodology

  • Certification also issued via MoIAT-approved bodies

  • Uses the same national template

ICV Certification in Sharjah and Northern Emirates

Sharjah:

  • Follows the National ICV Program, especially for government-related contracts

  • Adoption is growing but not yet as widespread as in Abu Dhabi or Dubai

Other Emirates (Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain):

  • Adoption varies by sector and government entity

  • Local suppliers may be encouraged but not always required to have ICV certification

  • Smaller projects may prioritize cost over ICV score

Comparison Table: ICV Certification Across Emirates

Feature

Dubai

Abu Dhabi

Sharjah/Northern Emirates

Mandatory for Gov. Projects

Yes

Yes

Varies

Issuing Authority

MoIAT

MoIAT

MoIAT

Enforcement Level

High

Very High

Moderate to Low

First Implementation

2021 (National Program)

2018 (via ADNOC)

2022–2023 (gradual)

ICV Score Emphasis in Tenders

Medium to High

Very High

Low to Medium

Key Takeaways

  • ICV certification in Dubai is fully integrated into the national framework and increasingly necessary for securing contracts.

  • Abu Dhabi remains the most advanced and strict in enforcing ICV requirements.

  • Sharjah and other Emirates are catching up but have varying levels of adoption.

  • Understanding each Emirate’s stance helps you tailor your compliance strategy, optimize your ICV score, and increase your chances of winning bids.

Final Thoughts

If your business is planning to operate across multiple Emirates, it’s crucial to align your strategy with the specific ICV certification expectations in each region. Whether you're applying for ICV certification in Dubai or expanding into Abu Dhabi and beyond, working with an experienced ICV consultant can streamline the process and improve your score.
Location: Dubai - Business Bay - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

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