In-Country Value becomes mandatory across federal entities

At the Make it in the Emirates summit in May, the In-Country Value (ICV) programme was expanded into a mandatory framework across federal government entities and national companies with at least 25 per cent direct or indirect federal ownership, Gulf News reported on 4 May 2026. It reported that the programme has redirected more than Dh473 billion into the national economy, and that industrial exports doubled to Dh262 billion in 2025 under Operation 300Bn.

The summit closed with more than 200 agreements, according to a WAM report carried by Gulf Today, including plans to localise more than 5,000 products and Dhs180 billion in cumulative offtakes over the next decade. On food security, the report listed Dhs2 billion in annual food import substitution and up to 200 food factories.

Local value is now part of the bid

For anyone bidding for federal or federally owned work, an ICV score is no longer a differentiator; it is a requirement. That affects how consortia are formed, which suppliers they use and how each member evidences its contribution.

Every participant operates through a defined scope, responsibility and reporting framework.

Demand for industrial infrastructure

The same summit pointed to new demand for the infrastructure manufacturing needs. Gulf Today’s report listed commitments including Dhs36.7 billion for chemicals at Al Ruwais Industrial City and Dhs2.1 billion in deals signed by KEZAD.

Industrial zones that grow quickly need their utilities, logistics and permitting coordinated with tenants’ own programmes. That coordination is where many industrial projects gain or lose time.