If you’re undertaking business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—specifically when working with a government entity or a large-sized firm—you will have probably been made aware of the In-Country Value (ICV) Program. For many of those engaged in domestic market operations or business partnerships, however, the concept of ICV may still appear daunting or simply a “box-checking” exercise when it comes to submitting certain documentation.
ICV is more than just paperwork; there is also an impact on your ability to win projects and expand your operations in the UAE.
What is the In-Country Value (ICV) Program?
The ICV Program has been established by the UAE government to establish a mechanism for keeping money circulating within the country through a reduced dependence on importing products or services from abroad, and by encouraging member companies to:
- Utilize suppliers in the UAE
- Invest in businesses located in UAE
- Employ and/or train Emirati nationals within their operations
- Support or develop businesses located in the UAE
Your business will receive an ICV score based on your performance of various actions relevant to the four areas above by way of a Certification issued by a Recognized Third Party.
How ICV Works
transaction. You’ll submit your ICV assessment every year for as long as you’re in business, which means that you have the potential for long-term contracts, or even potentially being on the prequalified vendor list of the company you’re working with.
Why ICV is Important
6. It Increases Your Competitiveness
Having an ICV certificate can give you an edge over other companies. It can also increase your competitiveness, and as a result make you more attractive to clients. An ICV certificate may even give you an advantage in terms of vendor selection and future bidding opportunities if the company you’re working with wants to hire another vendor who also has an ICV certificate.
7. It Improves Your Public Image
Having an ICV certificate can help improve your public image. Many people, even clients, view ICV certificates as a sign of a good business. e.g. Many suppliers will prefer to work with you if you have an ICV certificate because it means you care about supporting the UAE economy.
8. It’s An Investment
Having an ICV certificate signifies to the government and other stakeholders that you are making an investment in the UAE economy by demonstrating your commitment to developing a sustainable supply chain through investing in local suppliers and workforce development.
9. ICV Can Be Used As A Benchmark
Using your ICV score as a benchmark will allow you to gauge the financial health and performance of your company compared to its peers in the UAE.
10. You Can Use Your ICV Score To Market Yourself
Having an ICV certificate makes it easy for you to market your business as one that is committed to developing a sustainable local supply chain. You can do this through advertising, social media, and your website.
If you are interested in obtaining an ICV certificate, contact us for more information!
Who Should Be Interested in ICV?
To be honest, you should be if you’re considering expanding in the UAE.
However, if you are involved with:
- Government / semi-government organizations
- Tendering and contracting
- Selling goods or services to large organizations
What Can You Do To Increase Your ICV Score?
This is where many companies either do well or fail.
Simple things can make all the difference:
- Source local suppliers more often
- Hire and train Emirati staff
- Invest within the UAE
- Maintain strong operations within the UAE
Conclusion
At the end of the day, ICV isn’t just a requirement; it’s a strategy.
Companies that know and act upon their ICV are able to comply with the requirement and grow more rapidly than their competition, win more contracts, and develop stronger relationships with businesses in the UAE.
At Al Tawakkal, we help companies simplify the ICV process through certification and improvement of your ICV score, allowing you to focus on the important thing — growing your company.If you’re undertaking business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—specifically when working with a government entity or a large-sized firm—you will have probably been made aware of the In-Country Value (ICV) Program. For many of those engaged in domestic market operations or business partnerships, however, the concept of ICV may still appear daunting or simply a “box-checking” exercise when it comes to submitting certain documentation.
ICV is more than just paperwork; there is also an impact on your ability to win projects and expand your operations in the UAE.
What is the In-Country Value (ICV) Program?
The ICV Program has been established by the UAE government to establish a mechanism for keeping money circulating within the country through a reduced dependence on importing products or services from abroad, and by encouraging member companies to:
- Utilize suppliers in the UAE
- Invest in businesses located in UAE
- Employ and/or train Emirati nationals within their operations
- Support or develop businesses located in the UAE
Your business will receive an ICV score based on your performance of various actions relevant to the four areas above by way of a Certification issued by a Recognized Third Party.
How ICV Works
transaction. You’ll submit your ICV assessment every year for as long as you’re in business, which means that you have the potential for long-term contracts, or even potentially being on the prequalified vendor list of the company you’re working with.
Why ICV is Important
6. It Increases Your Competitiveness
Having an ICV certificate can give you an edge over other companies. It can also increase your competitiveness, and as a result make you more attractive to clients. An ICV certificate may even give you an advantage in terms of vendor selection and future bidding opportunities if the company you’re working with wants to hire another vendor who also has an ICV certificate.
7. It Improves Your Public Image
Having an ICV certificate can help improve your public image. Many people, even clients, view ICV certificates as a sign of a good business. e.g. Many suppliers will prefer to work with you if you have an ICV certificate because it means you care about supporting the UAE economy.
8. It’s An Investment
Having an ICV certificate signifies to the government and other stakeholders that you are making an investment in the UAE economy by demonstrating your commitment to developing a sustainable supply chain through investing in local suppliers and workforce development.
9. ICV Can Be Used As A Benchmark
Using your ICV score as a benchmark will allow you to gauge the financial health and performance of your company compared to its peers in the UAE.
10. You Can Use Your ICV Score To Market Yourself
Having an ICV certificate makes it easy for you to market your business as one that is committed to developing a sustainable local supply chain. You can do this through advertising, social media, and your website.
If you are interested in obtaining an ICV certificate, contact us for more information!
Who Should Be Interested in ICV?
To be honest, you should be if you’re considering expanding in the UAE.
However, if you are involved with:
- Government / semi-government organizations
- Tendering and contracting
- Selling goods or services to large organizations
What Can You Do To Increase Your ICV Score?
This is where many companies either do well or fail.
Simple things can make all the difference:
- Source local suppliers more often
- Hire and train Emirati staff
- Invest within the UAE
- Maintain strong operations within the UAE
Conclusion
At the end of the day, ICV isn’t just a requirement; it’s a strategy.
Companies that know and act upon their ICV are able to comply with the requirement and grow more rapidly than their competition, win more contracts, and develop stronger relationships with businesses in the UAE.
At Al Tawakkal, we help companies simplify the ICV process through certification and improvement of your ICV score, allowing you to focus on the important thing — growing your company.
Shajahan M is the General Manager at Al Tawakkal, with over 20 years of extensive experience in handling all types of documentation and typing services in the UAE. He possesses deep expertise in core typing services, including visa applications, immigration documentation, labor and MOHRE processes, Emirates ID services, trade license documentation, and government-related approvals. Known for his accuracy, speed, and thorough understanding of regulatory procedures, Shajahan ensures seamless document processing and compliance, helping clients complete their requirements efficiently and without delays.