Abu Dhabi has launched a new Golden Vendor list aimed at enhancing local procurement and stimulating investment in domestic businesses.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement (ADDGE), has introduced the Abu Dhabi Golden Vendor List. This initiative is a vital component of the Abu Dhabi Local Content (ADLC) Programme, building upon the achievements of Abu Dhabi’s Golden List while incorporating key enhancements to better support local enterprises and promote economic expansion.
This updated list, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported, was officially launched during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Business Week (ADBW), which took place under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The event was attended by Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Fahed Salem Alkayyoomi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, Mohammad Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at ADIO, along with various officials and esteemed guests.
Expansion of vendor list
The Golden Vendor List significantly broadens the reach and effectiveness of Abu Dhabi’s Golden List initiative, establishing it as an essential tool for enhancing local procurement and promoting sustainable industrial growth. This initiative now encompasses a diverse array of 145 industries, facilitating easier access for government entities and private sector companies to a larger pool of high-quality local suppliers.
Addressing procurement needs
The list has been expanded to address 74 percent of the government’s product-based procurement needs, ensuring that local suppliers can effectively align their capabilities with government demands. In the future, the list will continue to evolve to include services that are in high demand from the government.
Integration with government tendering
Products and services that are part of the Golden Vendor List will now be integrated into the Abu Dhabi Government’s tendering process, reinforcing the focus on local content within the commercial evaluation framework.
Scoring system changes
As part of the updated structure, a portion of the scoring system will be dedicated to participation in the AD Local Content Programme, with the influence of the Golden Vendor List on this scoring set to progressively increase. This strategic transition further highlights the government’s dedication to nurturing local content and advancing the growth of Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector.
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Opportunities for companies
With the Golden Vendor List, companies can play a vital role in furthering the economic goals of the UAE capital by enhancing their contributions to the local economy, bolstering the local manufacturing sector, increasing purchases from local suppliers, and employing Emirati nationals.
Introduction of HS codes
In addition to broadening the vendor base, the Golden Vendor List introduces Harmonised System (HS) codes, a globally recognized classification system for products. This standardization promotes a more efficient procurement process, enabling local suppliers and purchasing entities to engage in streamlined, data-driven transactions with greater assurance.
Commitment to economic growth
Mohammad Al Kamali, chief trade and industry officer at ADIO, indicated that the Abu Dhabi Golden Vendor List marks a significant advancement in accelerating Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and fostering the sustainable development of its robust industrial sector. He further noted that by aligning government procurement processes with the capabilities of local manufacturers, the initiative cultivates a more resilient and diversified economy, drives innovation, and promotes job creation and skills development. He emphasized that this initiative is crafted to enhance the presence of local industries within government procurement, allowing them to flourish.
Leveraging government spending
Moreover, the Golden Vendor List acts as a potent tool for leveraging government expenditures to support local industries. By emphasizing local content, the list promotes job creation, facilitates upskilling opportunities, and empowers the local workforce, aligning with the emirate’s broader strategic economic objectives. It also offers investors transparent access to government tenders, enabling them to fortify local supply chains and contribute to sustained economic growth.
Encouraging innovation and investment
Furthermore, the list encourages the adoption of technology and increased investment in research and development (R&D), fostering innovation across sectors and laying the groundwork for a more resilient and diversified economy. The updated list not only positions local businesses to better fulfill government requirements but also accelerates the growth of the emirate’s non-oil sectors, promoting sustainable development and reinforcing the long-term economic vision of the emirate.
