How Dubai Companies Can Maximize ICV Scores in 2025

 

How Dubai Companies Can Maximize ICV Scores in 2025

Introduction

As the UAE continues to push for a diversified and knowledge-based economy, ICV certification in Dubai has become a strategic priority for businesses aiming to secure government contracts and tenders. Introduced under the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, this certification evaluates how much a company contributes to the local economy.

For companies operating in Dubai, maximizing your ICV score in 2025 is not just a compliance requirement—it's a competitive advantage. In this article, we’ll explore what affects your ICV score and how your business can improve it to stand out in the evolving Dubai marketplace.

What Is ICV Certification in Dubai?

ICV (In-Country Value) certification in Dubai is a formal evaluation of how much value a company adds to the UAE’s economy. It is especially critical for businesses that want to work with government entities and large organizations like ADNOC and other semi-government entities.

The ICV score is calculated based on several key factors:

  • Goods manufactured or services provided locally

  • Local workforce employment

  • Investment in UAE-based assets

  • Expenditures on local suppliers

  • Emirati workforce ratio

  • Company profits retained in the UAE

Why Maximizing ICV Scores Matters in 2025

As of 2025, more government contracts and tenders require a strong ICV score for eligibility. With increased competition, companies in Dubai that fail to optimize their ICV certification may lose out on lucrative opportunities.

High ICV scores:

  • Improve your chances of winning tenders

  • Position your business as a preferred local supplier

  • Enhance reputation with key partners and stakeholders

  • Align your operations with the UAE’s long-term economic goals

7 Ways to Maximize Your ICV Score in Dubai

1. Localize Procurement and Suppliers

Prioritize sourcing goods and services from UAE-based suppliers. The more you spend locally, the higher your ICV score.

💡 Tip: Audit your supply chain and replace international vendors with compliant local ones where possible.

2. Employ More Emirati Talent

Hiring UAE nationals significantly boosts your ICV score. Invest in Emiratisation programs and training for local talent.

🔍 In 2025, expect stricter enforcement and higher scoring weight for Emirati employment in the private sector.

3. Increase UAE-Based Capital Investment

Investing in physical assets, machinery, facilities, and operations within Dubai or the UAE adds positively to your ICV calculation.

🏗️ Consider setting up manufacturing, warehousing, or R&D operations locally to improve your score.

4. Retain Profits in the UAE

Retaining more profits within the UAE—rather than repatriating them—contributes to a higher ICV rating.

✅ Ensure financial strategies align with the ICV framework when planning profit distributions or foreign transfers.

5. Partner with Certified Entities

When you subcontract or partner with vendors who also have high ICV certification in Dubai, it enhances your overall contribution score.

📃 Ask for partners’ ICV certificates during procurement to ensure alignment.

6. Conduct Regular ICV Audits

Hire an ICV consultant or auditor in Dubai to evaluate your performance before submitting your certification application.

🧾 This helps identify weak areas and fix them before they impact your score.

7. Keep Documentation Accurate and Updated

ICV certification requires detailed financial and operational documentation. Ensure all reports are in line with MoIAT standards.

📌 Tip: Keep your financial records audited and structured to ease the ICV assessment process.

ICV Certification in Dubai: Key 2025 Updates to Know

  • New scoring weights: There's more emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and Emiratisation.

  • Unified platform: All ICV certificates are now issued under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

  • Renewal every 14 months: Make sure your ICV certificate is up to date; expired ones will be rejected in tenders.

Conclusion

Improving your ICV certification in Dubai is no longer optional—it’s a strategic necessity for doing business with public sector clients in 2025. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or large enterprise, focusing on local value creation will not only improve your ICV score but also build long-term sustainability and credibility.

Location: Oxford Tower - office 103 Al A'amal St - Business Bay - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

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