Table of Contents

Overview

If you want to work with energy giants in the Gulf, supplier registration is a must. ADNOC in the UAE and Aramco in Saudi Arabia both have structured programs that suppliers must complete before bidding for contracts.

  • ADNOC links registration to its In-Country Value (ICV)
  • ARAMCO requires an IKTVA score (In-Kingdom Total Value Add).

Choosing between the two depends on where your business targets projects – UAE, Saudi Arabia, or both.

ADNOC Supplier Registration — Quick Primer (UAE)

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is the regulatory body responsible for:

  • Evaluating pharmaceutical products for safety and efficacy
  • Issuing product registration certificates
  • Monitoring post-market compliance
  • Approving manufacturing sites and GMP standards

Aramco IKTVA Supplier Registration — Quick Primer (Saudi Arabia)
  • Objective: Strengthen UAE’s local economy through ICV.
  • Process:
    Register on the ADNOC Supplier Portal → submit trade license, audited accounts, certifications → obtain ICV certificate → get approval → bid eligibility.
  • Who can apply: UAE-based companies, including foreign-owned entities.

ADNOC vs Aramco – Head-to-Head Table
  • Objective: Increase Saudi local content as part of Vision 2030.
  • Process: Apply via Aramco Supplier Portal → complete pre-qualification → submit audited accounts, workforce data, HSE policies → obtain IKTVA score.
  • Who can apply: Saudi entities, JVs, or foreign firms with a Saudi presence.

Factor

ADNOC (UAE)

Aramco IKTVA (Saudi Arabia)

Program Focus

Supplier approval + ICV

Supplier onboarding + IKTVA score

Goal

Boost UAE local value

Grow Saudi local content

Entity Requirement

UAE entity (local/foreign)

Saudi entity or JV/local presence

Score System

ICV % certificate

IKTVA % score

Renewal

Annual ICV re-submission

Annual IKTVA update

Tender Access

ADNOC/UAE projects

Aramco/KSA projects

ICV vs IKTVA: Score Systems Explained
  • ICV (UAE): Measures spend on UAE workforce, local suppliers, CapEx.
  • IKTVA (KSA): Measures Saudi workforce %, local sourcing, training, R&D

    Tip: Higher scores = better visibility and eligibility for contracts.

Documentation Checklist

For ADNOC:

  • Trade license, VAT certificate, audited financials, ISO/QHSE certifications.

For Aramco:

  • Commercial registration, audited financials, HSE manuals, workforce data, IKTVA template.

Timelines, Bottlenecks & Fixes
  • ADNOC: 4–6 weeks with complete documents.
  • Aramco: 6–10 weeks, sometimes delayed by missing workforce or financial data.
  • Common issues: misaligned activity codes, incomplete audits, low ICV/IKTVA scores.

Which Should You Prioritize?
  • Focusing on UAE tenders? Start with ADNOC.
  • Targeting Saudi mega-projects? Start with Aramco IKTVA.
  • Expanding across GCC? Register for both in phases.

FAQs
What makes ADNOC and Aramco different from each other?
ADNOC (UAE) and Aramco (Saudi Arabia) are both national oil giants but differ in scale and focus. Aramco is the world’s largest oil producer, shaping global prices, while ADNOC is expanding rapidly into LNG, refining, and downstream projects to diversify UAE’s energy economy.
Which is bigger, ADNOC or Aramco?
Saudi Aramco is larger in terms of oil production, reserves, and global market capitalization. ADNOC, while smaller, is among the fastest-growing national oil companies and is a dominant player in the UAE and regional supply chains.
Why do companies register with ADNOC or Aramco?
Supplier registration is mandatory to qualify for contracts. ADNOC ties eligibility to its In-Country Value (ICV) program, while Aramco requires suppliers to achieve an IKTVA score under Saudi Vision 2030.
Can foreign companies work with ADNOC and Aramco?
Yes. Foreign businesses can register, but both ADNOC and Aramco require a local entity, joint venture, or approved partnership to participate in tenders.
Which registration should I prioritize — ADNOC or Aramco?
It depends on your target market. If your contracts are UAE-based, prioritize ADNOC. If you aim for Saudi mega-projects, start with Aramco IKTVA. Many suppliers choose to register with both for wider GCC coverage.

Conclusion

ADNOC and Aramco supplier registrations are not competitors but complementary entry points into the Gulf energy market. Which one you choose depends on your immediate project pipeline.

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