ADNOC has unveiled more than AED60 billion (about US$16.3 billion) in local manufacturing opportunities through 2030, alongside a redesign of how suppliers register, qualify and compete for its contracts. The package was announced on 25 October 2026 at the second Make it with ADNOC Forum at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, held ahead of ADIPEC, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office and The National.
What happened
The opportunities cover more than 200 essential products and a wider portfolio of critical spare parts, many of which are currently imported. The Abu Dhabi Media Office lists the categories as rotating equipment and power; electrical, control and automation systems; drilling and completion equipment; chemicals and catalysts; piping, fabrication and heavy equipment; and spare parts and advanced manufacturing. The National reports that items targeted for local production include electrical submersible pumps, oil country tubular goods, seamless pipes and compressors.
ADNOC said it will work with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to connect manufacturers with support, including the national industrial database and financing through the National Industrial Resilience Fund. ADNOC also signed agreements with ADIO and KEZAD Group on the sidelines of the forum.
Key figures and procurement changes
- Supplier registration and prequalification time to be cut by up to 80%, with required documents halved and prequalification removed for 60% of service categories.
- Commercial and in-country value (ICV) offers will be assessed in a single evaluation, replacing the previous bid-matching approach. The National reports the new model applies from 1 November, weighted 70% to commercial terms and 30% to ICV.
- According to The National, contracts below AED2 million are exempt from ICV requirements, and contracts below AED50 million no longer carry ICV retention obligations.
- The Local+ programme now includes more than 100 UAE manufacturers, up from 70 at its launch in May 2026. EPC contractors in new tenders must source relevant products from approved manufacturers on the list.
- Since 2018, ADNOC’s ICV programme has redirected more than AED307 billion into the UAE economy, localised more than 130 products and supported 95 UAE factories, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.
Why it matters for UAE businesses
For UAE manufacturers, fabricators and industrial traders, the announcement combines a clearer view of future demand with lower barriers to entry. Faster onboarding, fewer documents and proportionate ICV rules for smaller contracts may make ADNOC’s supply chain more accessible to SMEs that previously found the process too slow or costly.
Winning and delivering this kind of work usually requires capital before revenue arrives: machinery, raw material imports, performance and advance payment guarantees, and working capital to bridge long payment cycles. Suppliers planning to bid will want their financial statements, ICV certification and banking relationships in order before tenders open. The link to the National Industrial Resilience Fund signals that financing is meant to be part of the localisation push, not an afterthought.
The shift to a combined commercial and ICV score also means local content alone will not win a contract. Price, delivery capability and financial strength will carry most of the weight, so suppliers will need to present a competitive and well-funded offer from the first submission.
Prepare your financing
If your business is preparing to supply large industrial buyers and needs to understand letters of credit, bank guarantees or import financing, read National Finance’s trade finance advisory overview. National Finance provides advisory and consultancy services and does not lend or guarantee financing approval.
Sources: Abu Dhabi Media Office; The National.
By the National Finance Media Team