How to Improve Your ICV Score in the UAE

Practical ways to raise a UAE ICV score: certified UAE suppliers, current supplier evidence, WPS payroll, UAE investment and the bonuses you qualify for.

An ICV score is not fixed by the nature of your business. Much of it reflects decisions the finance and procurement teams make during the year — and a surprising amount reflects whether the evidence for those decisions is on file when the certifier asks.

1. Keep supplier ICV certificates current

Third-party spend is usually the largest component. Each supplier counts at its own ICV percentage only if a valid certificate is available; otherwise a default applies. Ask your largest UAE suppliers for their current certificates, record the expiry dates and chase renewals before year end.

2. Prefer certified UAE suppliers where the choice is open

When two suppliers are otherwise comparable, the one with a higher ICV certificate improves your score. Buying through a UAE mainland supplier rather than directly from abroad can also help, while free-zone service providers are generally treated as outside the UAE.

3. Classify costs correctly

Salaries, depreciation, fines, taxes, charity and related-party management or sponsorship fees are treated differently from third-party spend. Classifying expense accounts correctly makes the calculation accurate and avoids arguments with the certifier.

4. Pay salaries through WPS

Emiratization and expatriate components are based on salaries and benefits. Salaries paid outside WPS are generally not accepted, so make sure every eligible employee is on WPS.

5. Invest in UAE assets and record their location

The investment component rewards the share of owned assets located in the UAE, with a top-up for larger UAE asset bases and a bonus for year-on-year growth. Keep the fixed asset register accurate and record where each asset is located.

6. Claim the bonuses you qualify for

Revenue from value-added exports

Emirati headcount

Growth in UAE investment compared with the previous year

Sustainability: ITTI assessment and ISO certificates for manufacturers; sustainability policies and ISO certificates for service providers

7. Model the score before the certifier arrives

Running the calculation during the year shows which lever matters most for your business. RQM Books ICV recalculates every MoIAT page from your books whenever the data changes, lists the evidence gaps and their effect, and produces the filled official template for your certifying body.

Read how the ICV score is calculated or book a demo.

This article provides general information about the UAE National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme and is not professional advice. RQM Books is independent software and is not affiliated with MoIAT. Always follow the current MoIAT ICV certification guideline and your certifying body's requirements.