Tax & Accounting Services
Service2025
YearClient Overview
A U.S.-based construction and engineering firm, renowned for sustainable infrastructure projects across North America, was ready to expand into the UAE. Their goal: participate in major government tenders and establish a local presence in the GCC.
Despite strong technical expertise and financial stability, they faced a major hurdle: the UAE’s regulatory and tender landscape was completely new. Without local guidance, even simple tasks—like obtaining visas or qualifying for tenders—could take months.
Challenges
The firm’s executives and technical experts needed residency visas and work permits to oversee projects and sign tender documents. The company’s multi-branch structure and high-volume foreign staff added layers of complexity.
At the same time, Dubai’s tender ecosystem lacked a single unified platform. Every authority—construction, infrastructure, energy—had its own registration rules, deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Missing a single step could cost them contracts.
Finally, the company needed the In-Country Value (ICV) Certificate—a mandatory credential for bidding on most government contracts. This involved proving the company’s contribution to the UAE economy, including local hiring, supplier engagement, and community investments. Handling this remotely, with no prior experience, was nearly impossible.
Our Approach
We developed a three-phase roadmap to tackle both visa and certification challenges.
Phase 1: Residency & Trade Licenses
Our consultants advised on the optimal trade license category for ICT activities and managed the UAE business owner visa process from beginning to end. We submitted all residency visas, labor cards, and establishment documents—guarantee full compliance within three weeks.
Phase 2: Tender Readiness
We mapped key tender announcement dates across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, set up supplier accounts for relevant portals, and trained the client’s team on compliance document preparation. This ensured they could respond quickly and effectively to multiple opportunities.
Phase 3: ICV Certification
Our PRO team managed the end-to-end ICV process:
This included:
- Reviewing HR records and local supplier contracts
- Calculating projected and in-progress Emirati value-add
- Completing submission on the official ICV portal
- Liaising with approved ICV auditors and ensuring a smooth, compliant audit process
We then managed end-to-end coordination with the ICV verification body and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), ensuring that technical business requirements were connected with local administration and regulatory authorities.
Results and Impact
Within two months:
- Trade license and owner visas secured within two months with no compliance setbacks
- Qualified on all major UAE tender portals, reducing opportunity tracking from weeks to days
- Achieved ICV certification above the minimum threshold, positioning the firm as a top contender
- Submitted and pre-qualified for three major digital transformation tenders, unlocking new revenue streams.
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