ADNOC REGISTRATION GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

ADNOC registration is the official process through which companies-whether local or international-become recognized suppliers, contractors, or service providers for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). By completing this registration, a business is added to ADNOC’s approved vendor database, making it eligible to participate in tenders, submit bids, and secure contracts for ADNOC projects. For international companies, ADNOC registration is not just an administrative requirement-it’s a prerequisite for doing business in the UAE’s oil & gas sector. It demonstrates compliance with ADNOC’s strict standards for quality, safety, financial stability, and technical expertise. In simple terms, without ADNOC registration, a company cannot directly supply products or services to ADNOC or its group companies. ADNOC Vendor registration in Abu Dhabi

In this guide, we’ll break down everything international companies need to know about ADNOC registration.

Can International Companies Register with ADNOC?

Yes-but there are specific requirements that international companies must meet before becoming eligible to work with ADNOC. Here’s what you need to know:

1.   Establishing a Local presence in Abu Dhabi

·      Trade License: To register directly, your company must hold a valid trade license issued by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). This applies to all vendors, contractors, and service providers.

·      Manufacturer Exception: If you’re an overseas manufacturer, you can supply to ADNOC without a local trade license-but only by partnering with an ADNOC- approved local vendor in Abu Dhabi.

2.   Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) Approval

·      Your Abu Dhabi Trade license must include SPC approval, specifically the activity “onshore and offshore oil & gas field & facilities services.”

·      This approval is mandatory for working with ADNOC and for obtaining site access passes.

3.   Local partner or Agent requirement

International companies must establish a local presence in one of two ways:

·      Mainland LLC setup: Form a mainland Abu Dhabi Limited Liability Company (LLC) where at least 51% ownership is held by an Emirati national approved by the SPC.

·      Local Agent or Sponsor: Alternatively, partner with a registered local agent or sponsor who has an existing ADNOC track record.

4.   Centralized Online Registration

·      ADNOC uses a centralized e-registration platform called the ADNOC commercial directory (Ariba-based).

·      Companies complete a one-time online registration, which includes prequalification, tender applications, profile management, and real-time tracking.

·      The platform also provides access to tender invitations, RFx bidding tools, and direct communication with ADNOC procurement teams.

Required documentation for ADNOC Registration

To successfully complete ADNOC registration, international companies must submit clear and up-to-date documentation. Typical requirements include:

·      Valid Trade License- Issued in Abu Dhabi with Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) Approval.

·      Tax registration (VAT TRN)- Proof of UAE tax compliance.

·      Company ownership and Management details- Including shareholder structure, ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs), directors, and key contact persons.

·      Audited financial statements- Usually covering the last 1-2 years, to demonstrate financial stability.

·      Quality & Compliance certifications- ISO or other relevant certifications.

·      Employee Information- Ministry of labour employee list along with an organizational chart.

·      Insurance Policies- particularly for contractors, covering workmen’s compensation, third-party liability, and other required areas.

ADNOC Registration Steps

International companies can register with ADNOC by following these key steps:

1.   Obtain a trade license with SPC approval

·      Secure a valid Abu Dhabi mainland trade license from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

·      Ensure the license includes Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) approval, specifically for “Onshore and Offshore Oil & Gas Field & Facilities Services.”

2.   Register on the ADNOC Commercial Directory

·      Create an Ariba account to access ADNOC’s Commercial Directory.

·      This serves as the centralized platform for supplier registration, tender applications, and vendor prequalification.

3.   Submit Documentation

·      Upload all required documents in English (or provide certified translations).

·      Ensure accuracy and completeness to avoid delays in processing.

4.   ADNOC Review Process

·      Initial evaluation: ADNOC reviews the submitted documents, typically within one week.

·      Pre-qualification: Companies are then asked to provide detailed technical data, past project references, and compliance certifications.

5.   Final approval & Listing

·      Once pre-qualification is approved, your company is added to ADNOC’s official supplier database.

·      From this point, you can bid on relevant ADNOC tenders and RFQs.

In-Country Value (ICV) Considerations

ADNOC places a strong emphasis on the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV) program, which evaluates suppliers based on their contribution to the local economy. Key metrics include:

·      Local Manufacturing & Procurement- prioritizing goods and services sourced within the UAE.

·      Emiratization- Employing and developing UAE nationals in the workforce.

·      Investment in the UAE- establishing facilities, infrastructure, and Research & Development initiatives locally.

ICV certification is issued by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), and suppliers are required to present valid certification as part of ADNOC’s tendering process.

Moreover, companies must commit to continuous improvement plans tied to ICV milestones, as ADNOC often links contract payments and evaluations to achieving these local value targets.

Common Scams to Avoid

Be cautious of fraudulent attempts-scammers sometimes impersonate ADNOC to request fees, deposits, or sensitive information through fake websites and email domains. Remember, official ADNOC communications are only sent from addresses ending in @adnoc.ae.

International companies can register with ADNOC, but only by establishing a legitimate presence in Abu Dhabi, obtaining SPC approval, and completing the structured registration and prequalification process. If you need guidance on any step-whether it’s setting up an ADDED license, navigating the Ariba portal, or identifying an approved local sponsor-support is available to help you move forward with confidence.

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