For companies operating in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, becoming an approved supplier to a major organisation such as ADNOC can open the door to significant business opportunities.
However, entering a major corporate supply chain requires more than having a valid trade licence. Businesses must understand supplier registration, prequalification, technical requirements, financial documentation and procurement procedures.
There is encouraging news for UAE manufacturers and service providers.
On 25 October 2026, ADNOC announced a major transformation of its procurement and supplier registration framework at its second Make it with ADNOC Forum in Abu Dhabi. The announcement included more than AED 60 billion in local manufacturing opportunities through 2030 and significant changes intended to make it easier for eligible businesses to compete for ADNOC opportunities.
For companies planning to enter the oil and gas, engineering, industrial manufacturing or technical services sectors, these developments deserve attention.
In this guide, we explain what ADNOC announced, how the supplier registration changes work, what the new ICV model means and how businesses can prepare.
1. ADNOC announces more than AED 60 billion in manufacturing opportunities
One of the biggest announcements from the October 2026 forum was ADNOC's plan to create more than AED 60 billion in local manufacturing opportunities through 2030.
The initiative covers more than 200 essential products and a range of critical spare parts required for ADNOC's projects and operations.
The identified manufacturing categories include:
Rotating equipment and power: Equipment supporting industrial operations and energy infrastructure.
Electrical, control and automation systems: Components and systems used in industrial facilities.
Drilling and completion equipment: Products supporting drilling and oilfield operations.
Chemicals and catalysts: Industrial chemicals and specialised materials.
Piping, fabrication and heavy equipment: Products used in large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects.
Spare parts and advanced manufacturing: Components required for maintenance, production and operational continuity.
Many of these products are currently imported. ADNOC wants to encourage more local manufacturing to strengthen supply chains, shorten delivery times and reduce exposure to international supply disruptions.
What does this mean for UAE businesses?
This announcement creates potential opportunities for manufacturers, industrial investors, equipment suppliers and businesses capable of developing local production capabilities.
It is particularly relevant to companies considering establishing or expanding manufacturing operations in the UAE.
However, the AED 60 billion figure represents the announced local manufacturing opportunity pipeline. It should not be interpreted as a guaranteed contract value available to every supplier.
Businesses must identify relevant product requirements, assess their capabilities and meet the applicable procurement and qualification conditions.
2. ADNOC is making supplier registration faster and simpler
Traditionally, entering a major corporate supply chain can involve extensive documentation, registration procedures, qualification requirements and compliance checks.
ADNOC has announced a redesigned supplier registration and prequalification model intended to reduce these administrative barriers.
The main changes include:
| Area | Announced change |
|---|---|
| Registration and prequalification | Target of up to 80% reduction in processing time |
| Documentation | Required documents reduced by approximately 50% |
| Service categories | Prequalification removed for 60% of service categories |
| Registration process | A single window bringing registration, qualification and compliance together |
| Document verification | AI-supported verification and reuse of existing information |
ADNOC has also indicated that its new approach will tailor requirements to the nature and risk level of the work.
This is important because not every supplier provides the same type of service or product. A company supplying specialised industrial equipment may face different requirements from a company providing general services.
How could this benefit smaller businesses?
Reducing repetitive documentation and simplifying registration could make it easier for eligible SMEs and specialised service providers to explore ADNOC opportunities.
For businesses that previously found the registration process demanding, the changes may reduce the administrative effort involved in becoming ready to compete.
However, faster registration does not mean automatic approval for every category or guaranteed access to contracts. Suppliers must still satisfy the applicable requirements.
3. ADNOC introduces a new ICV evaluation model from 1 November 2026
One of the most important developments for companies interested in ADNOC tenders is the change to its In-Country Value evaluation approach.
ICV, or In-Country Value, is a framework that measures the contribution a business makes to the UAE economy through areas such as local expenditure, investment, employment and other qualifying activities.
ADNOC has announced that commercial and ICV offers will be combined into a single evaluation model, replacing its previous bid-matching approach.
According to reporting on the announcement, the new evaluation model will apply from 1 November 2026, with the following weighting:
| Evaluation component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Commercial offer | 70% |
| In-Country Value (ICV) | 30% |
Under the revised approach, suppliers will be encouraged to submit their most competitive commercial and ICV offers from the beginning rather than relying on the previous bid-matching method.
Why is this important?
Previously, suppliers had to consider how their ICV position could influence their competitiveness under the bid-matching approach.
The new model integrates commercial value and local economic contribution into a single evaluation.
For businesses, this makes it important to understand both sides of the proposal:
Is your pricing commercially competitive?
Can your business demonstrate its contribution to the UAE economy?
Are your local operations and expenditure properly documented?
Does your ICV position support your overall tender strategy?
Companies should review the latest tender instructions and applicable ICV requirements before submitting an offer.
4. Changes to ICV requirements for smaller contracts
The October 2026 announcement also included changes to ICV requirements for certain contract values.
Reporting on the new framework indicates that:
Contracts below AED 2 million will be exempt from ICV requirements.
Contracts below AED 50 million will no longer face ICV retention obligations.
These changes could be particularly relevant to smaller suppliers and businesses concerned about the financial and administrative implications of ICV-related requirements.
However, suppliers should not assume that every smaller contract is free from all qualification, documentation or compliance requirements.
The specific tender conditions and applicable procurement rules must always be checked.
5. ADNOC expands its Local+ programme
Another important part of ADNOC's strategy is the expansion of its Local+ programme.
The programme has grown to more than 100 UAE manufacturers, up from 70 at its launch in May 2026.
Local+ gives UAE-made products priority in ADNOC projects by requiring engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors participating in relevant new tenders to source eligible products from approved manufacturers on the list.
For local manufacturers, this creates an additional reason to explore the programme and understand whether their products match ADNOC's procurement requirements.
For investors, it also highlights the importance of developing manufacturing capabilities within the UAE rather than relying entirely on imported products.
6. What does a business need to become an ADNOC supplier?
Although ADNOC is simplifying parts of its registration process, businesses should prepare their corporate and operational information before applying.
The exact requirements depend on the supplier category, product or service, risk level and relevant procurement opportunity.
The following areas are useful starting points.
A. Valid UAE company licence
Your business should have an appropriate legal structure and valid commercial licence for the activities it intends to conduct.
For example, a company planning to supply industrial equipment should review whether its licensed activities are appropriate for its proposed trading, manufacturing or service operations.
A licence for one activity should not automatically be assumed to cover every type of supply or service.
B. Corporate and legal documents
Keep your company's essential documents organised and up to date.
These may include:
Valid trade licence.
Certificate of incorporation or company registration documents.
Memorandum of Association, where applicable.
Shareholder and ownership information.
Authorised signatory details.
Emirates ID and passport details of relevant individuals, where requested.
Corporate contact information.
The exact documents requested will depend on the registration and qualification requirements.
C. Financial and banking information
Large organisations may request financial information to assess a supplier's business standing and capacity.
Prepare the relevant financial statements, banking details and supporting information required by the specific application or tender.
Ensure that the information is accurate and consistent with your official company records.
D. Technical and operational capability
For manufacturing, engineering and industrial services, having a licence alone is not enough.
A supplier may need to demonstrate relevant experience, production capacity, technical expertise, quality systems, equipment, certifications or other sector-specific capabilities.
Prepare a company profile that clearly explains what your business provides and why it is qualified to deliver the work.
E. In-Country Value readiness
If your business participates in tenders where ICV is relevant, understand the applicable certification and evaluation requirements.
Your local expenditure, employment, investment and other qualifying contributions may influence your ICV position.
Maintain proper supporting records and consult an authorised ICV certification provider where necessary.
7. A practical preparation checklist for companies
Before pursuing ADNOC supplier opportunities, consider completing the following checks.
Company structure and licensing
Review your current commercial licence.
Confirm that your business activities match your intended supply or service category.
Check whether any licence amendments or additional approvals are required.
Confirm that your company records are current.
Supplier registration
Review the applicable ADNOC supplier registration requirements.
Identify the relevant product or service category.
Organise the requested corporate documents.
Prepare accurate company information and supporting records.
Business capability
Develop a professional company profile.
Document previous projects and relevant experience.
Prepare technical specifications and product information.
Identify any sector-specific approvals or certifications required.
ICV and commercial preparation
Understand the applicable ICV requirements.
Review your local economic contribution.
Organise relevant financial and supporting records.
Evaluate your pricing and delivery capabilities before participating in tenders.
Completing these checks does not guarantee supplier approval or a contract award. It helps your company approach the process with better preparation.
8. Can a newly established UAE company become an ADNOC supplier?
A newly established business may explore supplier opportunities if it meets the relevant requirements.
However, registration eligibility and the ability to win a contract are two different things.
A new company may have a suitable licence but limited operating history, technical references, financial records or production capacity.
Depending on the category and opportunity, these factors may affect its ability to qualify or compete.
Entrepreneurs considering a new UAE company specifically to enter the industrial or energy supply chain should therefore plan beyond the initial licence.
Consider:
Which products or services will the company supply?
What commercial activities need to appear on the licence?
Will the business operate as a manufacturer, trader or service provider?
What facilities, staff and technical resources will it require?
What approvals and certifications may be necessary?
How will it demonstrate its financial and operational capability?
Choosing the appropriate company structure and licensed activities at the beginning can help avoid unnecessary changes later.
9. Why Abu Dhabi is an important base for industrial suppliers
Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a major industrial and energy business hub.
The emirate offers an established industrial ecosystem, infrastructure, logistics networks and access to major energy-sector organisations.
For companies planning to manufacture, trade industrial products or provide technical services, the location and business structure can be important parts of the overall strategy.
Businesses should evaluate the appropriate jurisdiction, industrial facilities, licensing activities and operational requirements before making an investment decision.
The right setup depends on what the company intends to do—not simply on the lowest licence price.
10. How PRO Hub can support your business
Entering a major corporate supply chain requires proper business preparation.
At PRO Hub Business Services, we support entrepreneurs, investors and established companies with UAE business setup and corporate administrative requirements.
Our services include:
Mainland and Free Zone company formation.
Trade licence applications and amendments.
Company restructuring and business activity updates.
Corporate PRO services.
Investor and employee visa processing coordination.
Labour and immigration-related administrative support.
Corporate documentation and business administration assistance.
If you are planning to establish a UAE company to operate in manufacturing, industrial supply, engineering or technical services, we can help you understand the relevant business setup and licensing considerations.
Our role is to support your company's business foundations. ADNOC supplier registration, technical qualification, ICV certification and contract awards remain subject to the relevant organisations' requirements and decisions.
Planning to enter the UAE industrial supply chain? Start by building the right business foundation.
Contact PRO Hub Business Services:
Email: info@prohubabudhabi.com
Phone: +971 55 44 23 100
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ADNOC supplier registration?
ADNOC supplier registration is the process through which businesses provide their company and relevant supplier information to ADNOC to explore opportunities to supply products or services. Depending on the category and opportunity, further qualification and compliance requirements may apply.
2. What did ADNOC announce in October 2026?
On 25 October 2026, ADNOC announced more than AED 60 billion in local manufacturing opportunities through 2030, alongside changes to supplier registration, prequalification, procurement and ICV evaluation.
3. Has ADNOC simplified supplier registration?
Yes. ADNOC announced a redesigned process targeting up to an 80% reduction in registration and prequalification processing time, approximately 50% fewer required documents and removal of prequalification requirements for 60% of service categories.
4. What is the new ADNOC ICV evaluation model?
ADNOC announced a combined commercial and ICV evaluation model. From 1 November 2026, reporting on the new model indicates a weighting of 70% for commercial terms and 30% for ICV.
5. Is ICV certification mandatory for every ADNOC supplier?
ICV requirements depend on the relevant procurement opportunity and applicable rules. The October 2026 announcement also introduced changes for certain smaller contracts. Suppliers should review the specific tender requirements before applying.
6. Can a Free Zone company register as an ADNOC supplier?
A company's eligibility depends on the relevant supplier category, its legal and operational arrangements and the applicable ADNOC requirements. Businesses should confirm eligibility directly with ADNOC rather than assuming that every Free Zone or Mainland structure is treated identically.
7. Does ADNOC supplier registration guarantee a contract?
No. Registration is not the same as winning a tender. Suppliers must meet the relevant technical, commercial, qualification and compliance requirements and compete for available opportunities.
8. Can a new company in Abu Dhabi supply ADNOC?
A newly established company may explore relevant opportunities if it meets the applicable requirements. However, it should carefully assess its licensing, financial position, technical capabilities, experience and operational readiness.
9. Where can businesses find official ADNOC supplier information?
Businesses should use ADNOC's official website and supplier channels for current registration instructions, qualification requirements and procurement opportunities. Always verify the latest requirements before submitting company information.
Final thoughts
ADNOC's October 2026 announcement represents an important development for the UAE's manufacturing and industrial supply sectors.
More than AED 60 billion in local manufacturing opportunities, a redesigned supplier registration process and changes to ICV evaluation create new reasons for businesses to assess their readiness to participate in major supply chains.
For manufacturers, investors, industrial suppliers and service providers, the opportunity is worth exploring but preparation remains essential.
A faster registration process may open the door. Your company's capabilities, documentation and commercial competitiveness will determine what happens next.
This article is based on publicly announced developments as of 30 October 2026. Supplier registration procedures, tender conditions and ICV requirements may change. Verify current details directly with ADNOC and the relevant authorities before making business or investment decisions.
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