Abu Dhabi Introduces Golden Vendor List To Enhance Local Procurement And Economic Growth

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement (ADDGE) have introduced the Abu Dhabi Golden Vendor List. This initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Local Content (ADLC) Programme, aiming to enhance local business support and stimulate economic growth. The launch took place during the first Abu Dhabi Business Week, attended by notable figures including H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Golden Vendor List broadens the scope of the existing Golden List scheme. It now covers 145 industries, facilitating easier sourcing for government and private sectors from local suppliers. This expansion addresses 74% of government procurement needs, aligning local suppliers with government demands. Future developments will include services with high government demand, further integrating local content into procurement processes.

Products and services on this list are now part of the Abu Dhabi Government tendering process. This integration enhances local content focus in commercial evaluations. A portion of the evaluation score will be dedicated to participation in the ADLC Programme, with contributions from the Golden Vendor List increasing over time. This change highlights the government's dedication to boosting local content and industrial growth.

The Golden Vendor List offers companies a chance to align with Abu Dhabi's economic goals by boosting their local economy contributions. It encourages increased purchases from local suppliers, strengthens the manufacturing sector, and promotes Emirati employment. The list also introduces Harmonised System (HS) codes for product classification, streamlining procurement processes for efficient transactions.

Mohammad Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at ADIO, stated: "The Abu Dhabi Golden Vendor List is a critical step forward in accelerating Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and promoting the sustainable development of its thriving industrial sector. By aligning government procurement processes with the capabilities of local manufacturers, we are fostering a more resilient and diversified economy, driving innovation, and supporting job creation and skills development."

Driving Innovation and Investment

This initiative leverages government spending to bolster local industries by prioritising local content. It supports job creation, skill development, and empowers the workforce in line with broader strategic goals. Investors gain transparent access to tenders, strengthening supply chains for long-term growth. Additionally, it encourages technology adoption and R&D investment, fostering innovation across various sectors.

The updated list not only helps businesses meet government demand but also accelerates non-oil sector growth in Abu Dhabi. By driving sustainable development, it reinforces the emirate's long-term economic vision while positioning local businesses for success in meeting governmental needs effectively.

With inputs from WAM