The UAE's In-Country Value (ICV) program, managed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), requires suppliers bidding on government and semi-government contracts to hold a valid ICV certificate. Without one, your bid is assigned a zero ICV score in the evaluation meaning competitors with even a modest certificate will rank ahead of you regardless of your pricing.
For the 2026 certification cycle, MoIAT has tightened its requirements. Branch-level audited financials prepared under IFRS are now mandatory. Consolidated or group accounts are rejected. Financial statements must not be more than 10 months old at the time of submission. These are not new proposals they are enforced rejections.
This guide covers how the ICV score is calculated, what the 2026 compliance requirements mean for your business, and the specific steps you can take to improve your score before your next certification without inflating figures that MoIAT will verify against your audit.
What is a Good ICV Score?
An ICV score measures your company's economic contribution to the UAE covering local procurement, Emirati employment, in-country investment, and related factors. There isn't a universal pass mark. There is no minimum score required to bid for a tender, and a company without any ICV certificate can still participate though it will be treated as having a score of zero, which is effectively disqualifying in any competitive bid.
What counts as competitive depends on the sector, contract value, and the entity awarding the tender. Each procuring entity applies the score differently within its own evaluation framework, so always review the specific tender document to understand the weighting and any minimum thresholds that apply to that opportunity. The higher your score, the stronger your position and letting your certificate lapse is just as damaging as having a low score in the first place.
Understanding the ICV Framework
The ICV score is calculated based on a specific formula that considers various aspects of your company's contribution to the UAE's economic development. Here's a breakdown of the key factors influencing your ICV:
- Local Value Add (LVA): This component measures the value created through activities within the UAE. It encompasses factors like:
Manufacturing Cost: The percentage of production costs incurred in the UAE.
Investment: The value of your company's assets established in the UAE.
Emiratization: The percentage of your workforce comprised of UAE Nationals. This demonstrates your commitment to developing the local talent pool.
Expat Contribution: The salaries, training expenses, and benefits provided to expatriate employees.
ICV Bonus & Advanced Technology & Sustainability Bonus: Additional points awarded for exceeding specific benchmarks in areas like sourcing from local suppliers, utilizing advanced technologies, and adhering to sustainable practices.
By actively working towards optimizing these elements, you can significantly elevate your ICV score.
Calculating ICV Score
The ICV score shows how much a company invests in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). It looks at how much the company spends on things like goods, services, and its employees in the UAE. Here's how it's calculated:
For all companies:
ICV Score = (Total Money Spent in UAE / Total Money the Company Makes) x 100
Different types of companies have slightly different ways to calculate it:
For Companies Making Things in UAE:
ICV Score = (Money Spent on Making Things in UAE + Money Spent on Emirati Workers + 60% of Money Spent on Expats) / (Total Money Spent)
For Companies Selling Things in UAE:
ICV Score = (Money Made from Selling Things x ICV of the Supplier + Money Spent on Emirati Workers + 60% of Money Spent on Expats) / (Total Money Spent)
For Companies Investing in UAE:
The score is 25% of all the things the company owns in UAE. And the more valuable their stuff in UAE, the higher the score.
ICV Score = Value of Company's Stuff in UAE / Total Value of Company's Stuff
Strategies to Enhance Your ICV Score
Here are practical steps you can take to improve your ICV standing:
Embrace Local Sourcing: Prioritize sourcing raw materials, subcontracting services, and other operational needs from local UAE suppliers. This fosters connections within the Emirati business ecosystem and directly contributes to the local economy.
Invest in Emirati Talent: Actively recruit and hire UAE Nationals. Provide training programs and career development opportunities to empower Emirati employees and showcase your dedication to the national workforce.
Explore Manufacturing in the UAE: If feasible, consider establishing or expanding manufacturing capabilities within the UAE. This significantly boosts your LVA score and demonstrates a long-term commitment to the Emirati economy.
Embrace Innovation and Sustainability: Incorporate advanced technologies and sustainable practices into your operations. The ICV program offers bonus points for exceeding benchmarks in these areas, propelling your ICV score even higher.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consulting with ICV auditors in Dubai can be immensely beneficial. They possess the expertise to analyze your current standing, identify areas for improvement, and guide you through the ICV certification process.
Obtaining Your ICV Certificate
Once you've taken concrete steps to enhance your ICV score, it's time to secure your official ICV certificate . Here's a general overview of the process:
- Gather Documentation: Compile all necessary documents, including audited financial statements, details of your workforce composition, and information on local sourcing and investments.
- Select a Certifying Body: Choose a UAE government-approved certifying body to evaluate your application.
- Complete the ICV Template: Utilize the official ICV template to meticulously record all relevant data pertaining to your company's contribution to the UAE's economy.
- Submit Your Application: Present your completed application and supporting documentation to the chosen certifying body.
- Verification and Certification: The certifying body will verify your information and, upon successful evaluation, issue your official ICV certificate.
Maintaining a High ICV Score
Remember, achieving a high ICV score is an ongoing process. Here are some tips for sustaining your success:
- Regularly monitor your ICV score and identify areas for further improvement.
- Continuously implement strategies that enhance your local value creation and Emirati workforce development.
- Stay updated on any changes or revisions to the ICV program guidelines.
By adhering to these guidelines and demonstrating your commitment to the UAE's economic growth, you can achieve a stellar ICV score and unlock a world of opportunities within the dynamic Dubai market.
ICV Updates and Digital Verification (2026)
Companies targeting public sector contracts must comply with MoIAT's current ICV certification requirements, which have been significantly tightened since 2025. The key rules now in effect are:
- Stand-Alone Audited Financials: Financial statements must be prepared at the individual legal entity level, independently audited under IFRS by a MoIAT-approved auditor. Statements must cover financial periods ending on or after 1 January 2025. Consolidated or combined group accounts are rejected outright.
- Digital Certification Platform: ICV applications, renewals, and updates are managed through MoIAT's official digital platform. The platform automates the certification process, saving companies up to 40% in time and costs. GCC Business News
- Certificate Authentication via Blockchain: MoIAT uses blockchain technology to add an additional layer of document authenticity. Buyers and certifying bodies can scan the QR code on a certificate and validate it against the MoIAT Blockchain. Moiat
- Mandatory UAE Pass: All access to MoIAT's services, including ICV applications, must be authenticated through UAE Pass, the national digital identity system, enabling secure e-signature and online verification without visiting a service centre. Gulf Business
- Instant Validation for Buyers and Auditors: Certifying bodies and procuring entities use MoIAT's portal to confirm a company's ICV score and certificate status. An expired or unverifiable certificate is treated as a zero score.
If your company delays certification preparations, you risk entering the tender process without a valid certificate which is effectively disqualifying in most government and semi-government procurement evaluations.
How do ICV Auditors help achieve ICV Scores?
At Reyson Badger , we have ICV Auditors who can help companies in the UAE boost their ICV score. Our goal is to support you in showing your dedication to the UAE's economy and its development plans.
We work closely with you to improve your Emiratization agenda, which means hiring and developing local talent. With our expertise and experience, we've helped many companies enhance their ICV score and plans for improvement.
As part of the UAE's ICV program, we organize seminars and webinars to explain its importance. We aim to create more business opportunities within the UAE and increase job opportunities for Emirati nationals. Resyon Badger i s recognized as a top audit firm in Dubai, and we're committed to helping businesses thrive in the UAE.
