Aaliyan Ibrahim, founder and managing partner of ADEPTS Chartered Accountants, has addressed a major misconception holding UAE business owners back: that checking an In-Country Value (ICV) score means engaging a firm and paying significant professional fees just for a preliminary estimate.
With the launch of the first free online ICV Score Calculator, ADEPTS removes that barrier, letting businesses estimate their ICV standing in minutes, from a phone, at no cost, before they begin preparing for tender competition.
The numbers are reliable because of the framework behind them. The calculator follows the exact National ICV methodology used by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, with the same formulas and scoring logic as the official process. Businesses get something they can trust, not a rough guess.
According to Aaliyan, the tool addresses a mindset that has long shaped how businesses approach ICV:
"Businesses have traditionally treated ICV as a certificate obtained once a year, rather than a commercial score that should be monitored and managed continuously. This tool allows leadership teams to understand their position early, identify opportunities for improvement, and make more informed decisions before beginning the formal certification process."
The tool evaluates the key components of an ICV score:
Third-party expenditure
Investment made within the UAE
Emiratisation levels
Expatriate manpower costs
Export revenue
Advanced technology and sustainability bonus points
The calculator also avoids one-size-fits-all math. It adjusts its scoring logic depending on whether a business manufactures goods or delivers services, so results reflect the sector it comes from.
1. Enter relevant financial and operational data
2. Verify the registered email address
3. Receive an itemised breakdown of the estimated ICV score
ADEPTS was clear that the calculator serves preliminary assessment, benchmarking, and internal strategic planning. It is not a substitute for an official ICV certificate, which can only be issued by an authorised certifying body after reviewing verified financial records and supporting documentation.
Aaliyan elaborated on the value of continuous ICV monitoring:
"ICV performance is shaped by procurement, investment, workforce, and operational decisions made throughout the year. Understanding the impact of those decisions early can help businesses strengthen their ICV position and compete more effectively."
With this launch, ADEPTS signals its next direction: building tools that make UAE compliance less of a headache. The calculator is a first step.
The ADEPTS ICV Score Calculator is now live at taxadepts.com/icv-score-calculator.