Background
Launched as part of “Projects of the 50”, the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program is a UAE government initiative led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), the programme was first introduced in Abu Dhabi in 2018 and has since expanded nationwide.
Its purpose is to strengthen the UAE economy by encouraging businesses to invest in local capabilities, employ UAE nationals, and source goods and services within the country.
ICV certification is mandatory for companies wishing to participate in tenders issued by strategic partners such as ADNOC, Etisalat, Mubadala, and the Department of Economic Development (DED).
What is ICV certification?
Local procurement of goods and services
Employment of UAE nationals
Investment in local assets
Revenue generated within the UAE
Why ICV certification matters
The ICV certification process:
Begin by registering your company on the official ICV platform managed by MoIAT. Appoint an authorised certifying body—Grant Thornton has been a trusted ICV certifier since 2021.
Provide financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS and audited by a licensed UAE-based auditor. These must be no older than two years from the certification year.
Fill out the official ICV template issued by MoIAT, ensuring all figures align with your audited financials. This includes:
- Procurement breakdown (goods manufactured and third-party spend)
- Emiratisation and expatriate workforce contribution
- Investment and manufacturing costs
- Revenue and sustainability metrics
Supporting documentation is required for all reported figures. Companies are encouraged to structure their accounting systems to efficiently capture ICV-relevant data.
Grant Thornton will assess your ICV score using MoIAT’s predefined formula and guidelines, verifying all inputs and documentation.
Once approved, your ICV certificate is valid for 14 months from the date of your audited financial statements.
We guide you through every step to ensure accuracy and compliance.
How Grant Thornton UAE supports you
As an authorised ICV certifying body, Grant Thornton UAE provides end-to-end support throughout the certification process. Our dedicated engagement team — including UAE nationals — has been guiding businesses across the Emirates since 2021.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your certification, we ensure accuracy, compliance, and confidence at every step.
