Elite Auditing – Ismail Hajeir Auditing of Accounts, Officially Empaneled as Dubai ICV Programme Auditor

We are thrilled to share that Elite Auditing – Ismail Hajeir Auditing of Accounts has been officially selected by Dubai Economy & Tourism as an authorized auditor for the Dubai In-Country Value (ICV) Programme. This achievement represents a significant milestone in our firm’s journey and underscores our commitment to supporting Dubai’s economic diversification goals as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

What is the Dubai ICV Programme?

The Dubai ICV Programme is a transformative government initiative launched to maximize the economic impact of public procurement spending. Rather than viewing procurement merely as a purchasing process, Dubai Government recognizes it as a strategic tool to drive local economic growth, create jobs for Emiratis, and build resilient domestic supply chains.

The programme evaluates companies based on their contribution to the local economy across multiple dimensions including local manufacturing, Emiratisation efforts, ownership structure, and corporate social responsibility. Companies with higher ICV scores receive preferential treatment when bidding for government contracts, creating a powerful incentive for businesses to deepen their roots in Dubai’s economy.

The Professional Development stream of approval acknowledges businesses like ours that actively support and assist continuing professional development (CPD) of ACCA-qualified staff. As the ACCA’s benchmark are stringent, meeting these benchmarks enables us to keep our teams’ knowledge, skillsets, and ethical practices, current and world class.

Why This Matters for the Dubai Business Community

Since its pilot launch in 2024, the Dubai ICV Programme has become essential for any business seeking to participate in government procurement. With Law No. 16 of 2016 mandating preference for local content and the D33 agenda targeting substantial economic growth, ICV certification is rapidly becoming a prerequisite for market access.

Currently, Dubai Government is not procuring sufficient quantities from local companies despite available capacity. The global average for OECD countries shows 30% of government expenditure going to domestic firms. The Dubai ICV Programme aims to close this gap while maintaining value for money principles.

Our Role as an Empaneled Auditor

 As an officially empaneled auditor, Elite Auditing – Ismail Hajeir Auditing of Accounts is authorized to conduct comprehensive ICV assessments and issue Dubai ICV Certificates that are recognized by Dubai Municipality and other government entities for tender compliance. .

Our scope includes auditing both SPV-level companies (such as those involved in PPP projects like the DSST initiative) and Sub-SPV level suppliers across the entire value chain. This encompasses EPC contractors, O&M providers, manufacturers, service companies, and suppliers of all sizes. .

The ICV Certification Process

The certification process involves rigorous verification of your company’s local content across several weighted criteria. At the Sub-SPV level, these include local manufacturing or service delivery (55%), Emiratisation and training investments (15%), Emirati ownership (15%), and parent company domicile (15%)..

Our audit methodology ensures complete traceability of every data point in your ICV calculation. We review audited financial statements, payroll records, procurement invoices, supplier documentation, ownership structures, and training expenditure records. Every figure must be supported by verifiable source documents to maintain the integrity of the certification. .

The result is a Dubai ICV Certificate that accurately reflects your company’s contribution to the local economy and positions you competitively for government tenders. .

What Sets Us Apart

Our empanelment by Dubai Economy & Tourism was granted based on strict criteria including our UAE audit license, IFRS expertise, professional qualifications, and demonstrated capability in auditing complex corporate structures. We maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures specifically designed for ICV audits and employ qualified professionals with extensive UAE auditing experience. .

We’re committed to delivering your ICV Certificate within 10 working days while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. Our team understands that timing is often critical for tender submissions, and we’ve structured our processes to meet your deadlines without compromising on quality. .

How We Can Help Your Business

Whether you’re a manufacturer seeking to quantify your local content, an EPC contractor building your supplier network, a service provider with significant Emirati employment, or an MSME owned by Emirati entrepreneurs, we can help you understand and maximize your ICV score.

Our approach goes beyond simple compliance. We work with you to identify opportunities to legitimately enhance your local content, advise on documentation best practices, and ensure your ICV strategy aligns with your broader business objectives. .

Next Steps

If your business is preparing to bid for Dubai Government contracts or seeking to understand your current ICV position, we invite you to reach out for a consultation. Our team is ready to guide you through the certification process and help you unlock new opportunities in government procurement. .

The Dubai ICV Programme represents a fundamental shift in how government procurement operates in the emirate. Companies that embrace this change early and build genuine local content will be best positioned to benefit from the substantial growth opportunities ahead. .

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more resilient Dubai economy while growing your business.