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Complete Guide to UAE Tenders | How to Participate in Federal & Emirate Procurement

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Complete Guide to UAE Tenders | How to Participate in Federal & Emirate Procurement

Complete Guide to UAE Tenders | How to Participate in Federal & Emirate Procurement
  • May 04, 2026

The United Arab Emirates represents one of the world's most sophisticated and dynamic procurement markets. As a federation of seven emirates and a cornerstone of the GCC, the Arab World and the Middle East, the UAE offers unparalleled opportunities across energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare and logistics sectors under its progressive economic diversification strategy.

Whether you are a local contractor in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah, or an international supplier seeking to enter the UAE market, understanding Federal Law No. 11 of 2023, mastering the Digital Procurement Platform, obtaining ICV certification and complying with emirate-level regulations are essential for success. This comprehensive guide provides deep knowledge for contractors, suppliers and consultants on how to participate in UAE tenders.

Understanding the Legal Framework: Federal Law No. 11 of 2023

The Federal Law No. 11 of 2023 on Procurement in the Federal Government, together with its Implementing Regulation under Cabinet Decision No. 122 of 2024, governs procurement and contracting by federal entities in the United Arab Emirates.

Key features of the new framework include:

  • Unified Digital Procurement Platform: Administered by the Ministry of Finance through a Central Procurement Unit, standardizing procurement processes, supplier registration, classification and catalogue management.
  • Mandatory Electronic Submissions: All federal tenders require electronic submission through the Digital Procurement Platform.
  • Transparency and Fair Competition: The law emphasizes equal opportunities for all participants, enabling competition based on quality and efficiency standards.
  • Excluded Entities: The Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, state security entities, construction projects, purchases of a military or security nature, international agreements, pharmaceutical procurements and PPPs are excluded from federal law.

The Ministry of Finance launched the Federal Government Procurement Procedures Guide in April 2026, a comprehensive framework designed to streamline procurement processes, enhance efficiency and facilitate the implementation of the Government Procurement Law across all federal entities.

The Digital Procurement Platform: Your Gateway to Federal Tenders

The Digital Procurement Platform (DPP), administered by the Ministry of Finance through a Central Procurement Unit, is the UAE's central e-platform for federal government tenders and procurement.

What the Digital Procurement Platform offers:

  • Standardized procurement processes across all federal entities
  • Unified supplier registration and classification system
  • Centralized catalogue management
  • Electronic bid submission capabilities
  • Transparent evaluation and award processes

Purchasing Methods under the New Framework:

  • Public Tender: Open competition for all qualified suppliers
  • Limited Tender: Restricted to pre-selected qualified suppliers
  • Direct Order (Article 20): Federal Agencies may contract directly with a supplier from registered and accepted suppliers with necessary justifications.
  • Exclusive Source (Article 20): For sole supplier situations due to patents, copyrights, technical reasons, or lack of acceptable alternatives.
  • Low Value Purchases: Simplified procedures for smaller contract values.

Important Note for Bidders: Direct order or exclusive source procurement is NOT permitted in cases of absence of acceptable justification, insufficient planning where adequate time exists to tender, or recurrent procurement where other suppliers exist in the market.

Understanding the Dual System: Federal vs. Emirate Level Procurement

The UAE operates a dual procurement system. While federal entities follow Law No. 11 of 2023, each emirate maintains its own procurement regulations:

Abu Dhabi: Decision No. 36 of 2021 on the Abu Dhabi Procurement Standards governs public procurements by the Abu Dhabi government and related public entities.

Dubai: Law No. 12 of 2020 on Contracts and Warehouse Management within the Dubai Government forms the legal framework for public procurement.

Sharjah: Law No. 8 of 2017 addressing Procurements, Tenders, Auctions and Warehouses of the Sharjah Government.

Ajman: Law No. 3 of 2025 (issued September 2025) regulating procurement, contracts and inventory management in the Ajman Government.

Other Emirates: Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah each maintain their own procurement frameworks.

Procurement Centre of Excellence: The Ministry of Finance has established a Procurement Centre of Excellence with a clear governance framework defining the roles and responsibilities of regulatory units in federal entities.

ICV Certification: The Key to Winning UAE Tenders

The National In-Country Value (ICV) Program, formalized under Cabinet Resolution No. 91 of 2021 and administered by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), is arguably the most critical requirement for suppliers bidding on UAE government and ADNOC-linked contracts.

An ICV certificate measures how much economic value a company contributes to the UAE through local supplier spending, investment in UAE-based assets, Emiratization payroll contribution and operational allocation within the country.

Why ICV Certification is Essential:

  • Federal procurement regulations require compliance with the National ICV Program during commercial evaluation.
  • Without certification, suppliers lose scoring weight or risk disqualification depending on tender structure.
  • The ICV score directly influences commercial evaluation alongside technical evaluation and pricing.
  • In tightly priced tenders, a stronger ICV certificate may determine the award outcome.

How the ICV Score is Calculated

The ICV score calculation follows a structured formula:

Core Formula: ICV Score = Local Economic Contribution ÷ Revenue + Approved Bonuses

Key Components:

  • Local Procurement and Supplier ICV Contribution (up to 50%): Measures spending on goods/services from other UAE-based suppliers. Your score benefits from the ICV scores of your own vendors through a mathematical "multiplier".
  • Investments in UAE - Net Asset Base Contribution (up to 25%): Rewards companies that invest in UAE-based tangible and intangible assets including plants, equipment and locally created software/patents.
  • Emiratization - Emirati Employee Salaries (up to 15%): Calculated from total salaries, benefits and training expenses for UAE Nationals. Training and career development of Emiratis carry additional weight.
  • Expatriate Contribution (up to 10%): Recognizes the expatriate workforce contribution, calculated from WPS payroll reports.
  • Bonus Points (up to 5%): For export revenue, Emirati headcount growth and new capital investments.

How to Obtain an ICV Certificate

Step by Step Process:

Step 1: Preparation & Data Gathering

  • Gather IFRS-compliant audited financial statements conducted by a UAE-licensed auditor
  • Prepare detailed lists of UAE-based suppliers (with their ICV certificates)
  • Compile payroll data with Emirati and expatriate breakdown (WPS reports)
  • Prepare fixed asset registers for UAE-based assets

Step 2: Register on MoIAT Digital Platform

  • Log in using UAE Pass to the official MoIAT ICV certification system
  • Submit an application through the ICV platform

Step 3: Select an Approved Certifying Body

  • Invite quotations from authorized certifying bodies registered with MoIAT
  • Select a certifier and confirm audit fees (typically AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 depending on company size)

Step 4: Submit Documentation for Audit

  • Provide audited financial statements and supporting schedules
  • Undergo verification and score calculation by the certifying body

Step 5: Receive ICV Certificate

  • The system generates the official ICV certificate through the MoIAT digital platform
  • Certificate is typically valid for 14 months from the date of audited financial statements

Pro Tip for New Companies: Companies under ten months old can obtain an ICV Certificate using management accounts, enabling immediate government bidding with proper MoIAT compliance.

Tips to Improve Your ICV Score

  • Source from Certified Vendors: When entering contracts with suppliers, request their ICV certificates. This creates a multiplier effect benefiting your own score.
  • Hire UAE Nationals: Actively recruit through the NAFIS platform to directly affect the Emiratization pillar.
  • Capital Reinvestment: Instead of leasing equipment from overseas, consider purchasing assets within the UAE to increase net book value.
  • Invest in Technology: MoIAT introduced bonus scoring for advanced technology investment, sustainability initiatives and research and development activity.

ADNOC's Industrial Resilience Programme and Local Content Requirements

ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) has launched its Industrial Resilience Programme at "Make it in the Emirates 2026," introducing five initiatives aimed at strengthening supply chains, accelerating local manufacturing and enhancing business continuity.

Key Initiatives for Suppliers:

  • Enhanced ICV Model: Shifts procurement towards more targeted, value-driven approaches.
  • "Local+" Initiative: Requires EPC contractors to prioritize locally manufactured products from approved national suppliers. ADNOC has already identified 70 manufacturers under this scheme.
  • "ICV+" Framework: Provides additional incentives for contractors to source from local manufacturers.
  • "ADNOC Multiplier" Tool: Designed to increase the proportion of locally produced content within finished products.
  • "Build-to-Demand": Offers manufacturers long-term visibility and commitments for local production of critical industrial products.

ADNOC's ICV Impact:

  • Targeting local production of $24.5 billion (AED 90 billion) worth of products by 2030 across 150+ priority items including drilling equipment, valves, process chemicals and oil country tubular goods.
  • Since 2022, ADNOC has signed local manufacturing agreements worth AED 80 billion.
  • ADNOC expects its ICV programme to drive AED 220 billion into the national economy over the next five years.

Dubai's Joint Procurement Project (SHARAK)

The Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai has approved the Dubai Government Joint Procurement Project (SHARAK), presented by the Department of Finance, to apply the principle of joint procurement to a group of public procurements.

SHAKAR Program Objectives:

  • Enhance spending efficiency and improve the smoothness and transparency of operations
  • Support SMEs and stimulate growth
  • Expected savings of AED 250-400 million over the next three years
  • 20-32% savings demonstrated for certain procurement categories in the pilot phase

Program Features:

  • Formulation of joint framework agreements for selected categories
  • An electronic procurement platform enabling suppliers to submit offers transparently
  • Support for SME owners and national companies
  • Hybrid model combining "main buyer" and "central support" approaches

Pilot Phase Results: In cooperation with Dubai Police, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Airports and Dubai Smart Foundation, the pilot phase achieved savings between 10% and 32% for a range of procurement categories.

State and Emirate Level Tenders: Key Issuing Authorities Across UAE

The UAE issues tenders at both federal and emirate levels. Understanding the issuing authorities across different emirates is crucial for targeted bidding.

Federal Level Entities

  • Ministry of Finance: Administers the Digital Procurement Platform and Central Procurement Unit.
  • Tawazun Council: Management of defense and security procurement for Ministry of Defence.
  • Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure: Energy, water and infrastructure projects.
  • Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP): Healthcare and pharmaceutical procurement.
  • Ministry of Climate Change and Environment: Environmental and agricultural projects.

Abu Dhabi Authorities

Abu Dhabi Government (Decision No. 36 of 2021):

Dubai Authorities

Dubai Government (Law No. 12 of 2020):

  • Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
  • Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
  • Dubai Municipality
  • Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
  • Dubai Police
  • Etihad Rail
  • Dubai Airports
  • Dubai South
  • Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
  • Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
  • Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

Sharjah Authorities

Sharjah Government (Law No. 8 of 2017):

  • Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA)
  • Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
  • Sharjah Municipality
  • Sharjah Port Authority
  • Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority
  • Bee'ah (Sharjah Environment Company)

Ajman Authorities

Ajman Government (Law No. 3 of 2025):

Northern Emirates Authorities

Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah:

  • RAK Municipality (Ras Al Khaimah)
  • RAK Ports
  • Fujairah Municipality
  • Fujairah Port
  • Umm Al Quwain Municipality

Required Documentation for UAE Tenders

Federal procurement regulations outline essential documentation for engaging in UAE government tenders:

Mandatory Documents for All Bidders:

  • Valid Commercial Registration (CR): Issued by the relevant emirate's Department of Economic Development.
  • Tax Registration Certificate: Registration with the Federal Tax Authority for VAT purposes.
  • ICV Certificate: Valid ICV certification from MoIAT-approved certifying body.
  • Audited Financial Statements: IFRS-compliant, conducted by UAE-licensed auditor.
  • UAE Pass Registration: National digital identity for platform access.
  • Emiratization Compliance: Proof of workforce nationalization where applicable.
  • Project-Specific Requirements: ISO certifications, specialized licenses, or environmental permits.

Document Verification Note: Procuring entities verify ICV certificate validity directly through the MoIAT registry rather than relying solely on submitted documentation. An expired certificate may remove scoring weight during commercial evaluation.

Sustainability and Green Procurement

The UAE has established clear sustainability standards in purchasing and contracting, particularly for digital products and services.

Green Procurement Requirements:

  • Under Article 16 of the executive regulations, green procurement is a core principle in government purchasing processes.
  • Federal entities are required to prioritize sustainable products whenever possible.
  • Regulations support procurement practices that reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact.
  • These measures align with the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.

Innovation as Evaluation Criteria:

Article 28 of the executive regulations establishes innovation as a key evaluation criterion in bid assessments. This policy encourages suppliers to propose innovative solutions that enhance procurement efficiency and maximize added value, supporting the federal government's commitment to investing in modern technologies and innovative practices.

Can Foreign Companies Bid on UAE Tenders?

Yes, foreign companies can participate in UAE government tenders, but with important considerations:

  • Establish a UAE Legal Entity: Foreign companies must establish a registered entity in one of the seven emirates (mainland or free zone).
  • Obtain ICV Certification: Any UAE-registered legal entity may obtain certification regardless of shareholder nationality.
  • Free Zone vs Mainland: Mainland companies generally receive an automatic "Mainland Bonus" (around 10%) in ICV calculation. Free zone companies are fully eligible but must carefully track local vs. international spend.
  • Comply with MISA Licensing: Foreign companies need appropriate licensing from the Ministry of Investment.
  • Meet Local Content Requirements: SME and National Content Program preferences apply.

Important for New Entrants: Companies under ten months old can obtain an ICV Certificate using management accounts, enabling immediate government bidding with proper MoIAT compliance. This is particularly valuable for newly established foreign entities entering the UAE market.

Grievance and Dispute Resolution

The Federal Government Procurement Procedures Guide establishes clear guidelines for grievance procedures, defining the responsibilities of grievance committees within federal entities and outlining updated mechanisms for handling disputes.

Additionally, the framework addresses practices that undermine competition and outlines the penalties associated with them, ensuring fairness for all participants.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Based on expert analysis, here are frequent mistakes that lead to bid disqualification in UAE tenders:

  • Expired or Missing ICV Certificate: If the certificate expires during active evaluation, scoring weight may be removed.
  • Incorrect CR Data or Entity Mismatch: Inconsistencies between Commercial Registration and other systems.
  • Incomplete Financial Documentation: Missing or outdated audited financial statements.
  • Incorrect Supplier Residency Classification: Misclassifying local vs. international supplier spend in ICV calculation.
  • Late Submission: Due to unfamiliarity with electronic submission requirements.
  • Non-Competitive Technical Documentation: Failing to meet technical specifications.

Note on Procurement-to-Pay (P2P): The UAE Ministry of Finance has successfully implemented 'Procure-to-Pay' (P2P) which expedites the procurement process and e-approval of purchase orders and requests at different levels. Understanding this digital workflow is essential for timely payment processing after contract award.

Sectors Offering the Most Tenders in the UAE

Based on procurement data, these sectors offer the highest volume of tenders:

  • Oil & Gas and Energy: ADNOC procurement, renewable energy projects, power transmission (DEWA, EWEC)
  • Infrastructure & Construction: Roads (RTA), buildings, urban development, ports (Abu Dhabi Ports, RAK Ports)
  • Healthcare: Hospital construction (DHA, DOH), medical equipment, pharmaceutical procurement
  • Transportation & Logistics: Etihad Rail, RTA, public transport, aviation
  • Information Technology: Smart city solutions, digital transformation, cybersecurity
  • Water & Electricity: DEWA, SEWA, EWEC - power plants, desalination, distribution networks
  • Operation & Maintenance: Facilities management, equipment maintenance, cleaning services
  • Consulting Services: Feasibility studies, project management, engineering design

How TendersArabia Helps You Win in the UAE

Navigating the UAE's federal and emirate-level procurement landscape requires expertise, local knowledge and access to timely information. TendersArabia provides comprehensive tools and intelligence to help contractors, suppliers and consultants succeed in this competitive market:

  • Centralized Access to UAE Tenders

    • Our platform aggregates tenders from federal entities, all seven emirates and major state-owned enterprises including ADNOC, DEWA, RTA and SEWA. You no longer need to monitor multiple portals separately.

  • Federal and Emirate Level Coverage

    • We track tenders from Abu Dhabi (Decision No. 36/2021), Dubai (Law No. 12/2020), Sharjah (Law No. 8/2017) and Ajman (Law No. 3/2025) ensuring complete coverage across the federation.

  • ICV Compliance Tools

    • With ICV certification now mandatory for federal and ADNOC tenders, our platform helps you identify tenders where your ICV score will be most competitive. We provide guidance on ICV requirements and score optimization.

  • Bilingual Support (English & Arabic)

    • While the Digital Procurement Platform operates in Arabic, TendersArabia provides English translations of key tender information, including titles, descriptions, deadlines and requirements.

  • Emirate-Level Filtering

    • Target specific emirates efficiently: filter tenders by Abu Dhabi tenders, Dubai tenders, Sharjah tenders, Ajman tenders, or Northern Emirates opportunities.

  • Sustainable Procurement Alerts

    • With the UAE's focus on green procurement and Net Zero 2050, our platform tracks sustainability requirements and alerts you to tenders with green procurement criteria.

  • Contract Awards Database

    • Analyze who won past tenders across all emirates, understand pricing benchmarks and identify subcontracting opportunities through our Contract Awards database.

  • Bid Preparation Guidance

    • Access checklists, documentation requirements and best practices specifically tailored for the UAE market, including ICV certificate renewal tracking and compliance checklists.

Ready to start winning UAE tenders? Register for free to explore opportunities, or subscribe for premium access to complete tender documents, daily alerts and advanced analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Federal Law No. 11 of 2023 and why is it important?
 Federal Law No. 11 of 2023 on Procurement in the Federal Government is the primary legislation governing federal procurement in the UAE. Together with its Implementing Regulation under Cabinet Decision No. 122 of 2024, it replaces the previous framework and introduces a unified Digital Procurement Platform, standardized processes and enhanced transparency measures.

2. What is an ICV certificate and why is it mandatory?
 An ICV (In-Country Value) certificate measures how much economic value a company contributes to the UAE. Under the National ICV Program (Cabinet Resolution No. 91 of 2021), federal procurement regulations require ICV certification during commercial evaluation. Without certification, suppliers may lose scoring weight or risk disqualification from government contracts.

3. How do I obtain an ICV certificate in the UAE?
 To obtain an ICV certificate: (1) Prepare audited financial statements from a UAE-licensed auditor, (2) Register on the MoIAT digital platform using UAE Pass, (3) Select an authorized certifying body, (4) Submit documentation for verification, (5) Receive system-generated certificate. The certificate is valid for 14 months from the date of audited financial statements.

4. What is the difference between federal and emirate-level procurement?
 Federal Level: Governed by Federal Law No. 11 of 2023, applies to federal ministries and entities. Emirate Level: Each emirate maintains separate regulations: Abu Dhabi (Decision No. 36/2021), Dubai (Law No. 12/2020), Sharjah (Law No. 8/2017), Ajman (Law No. 3/2025).

5. Can free zone companies obtain ICV certification?
 Yes. Free zone companies may obtain an ICV certificate. The certification applies to the UAE-registered legal entity submitting the tender. However, free zone companies must carefully track local vs. international spend as they do not receive the automatic "Mainland Bonus" (approx 10%) that mainland companies receive.

6. What is the Dubai Joint Procurement Project (SHARAK)?
 SHARAK is Dubai's joint procurement initiative approved by the Executive Council. It aims to enhance spending efficiency, support SMEs and achieve savings of AED 250-400 million over three years. The pilot phase achieved 10-32% savings for certain procurement categories. An electronic platform enables suppliers to submit offers transparently.

7. What is ADNOC's Industrial Resilience Programme?
 Launched at "Make it in the Emirates 2026," ADNOC's programme includes five initiatives: enhanced ICV model, "Local+" initiative requiring EPC contractors to prioritize local manufacturers, "ICV+" framework, "ADNOC Multiplier" tool and "Build-to-Demand" for long-term visibility. ADNOC targets local production of $24.5 billion (AED 90 billion) worth of products by 2030.

8. How does ICV score calculation work?
 ICV = Local Economic Contribution ÷ Revenue + Bonus Points (max 5%). Components include: Local Procurement (up to 50%), UAE Investments (up to 25%), Emiratization (up to 15%), Expatriate Contribution (up to 10%). Bonus points for exports, Emirati headcount growth and new investments.

9. What are the green procurement requirements in the UAE?
 Under Article 16 of the executive regulations, green procurement

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