- The Golden Vendor List expands on Abu Dhabi’s Golden List, covering 145 industries and addressing 74% of the government’s product-based procurement needs.
- It integrates products and services into the Abu Dhabi Government tendering process, prioritizing local content in commercial evaluations.
- The initiative introduces Harmonised System (HS) codes for standardized product classification, streamlining procurement and enhancing data-driven transactions.
- It supports local economic growth by boosting local manufacturing, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and encouraging Emirati employment.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement (ADDGE), has unveiled the Golden Vendor List, a significant initiative under the Abu Dhabi Local Content (ADLC) Programme.
This innovative step builds on the success of Abu Dhabi’s Golden List, aiming to strengthen local industries, enhance government procurement processes, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Key Launch at Abu Dhabi Business Week
The Golden Vendor List was introduced during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Business Week (ADBW). The event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, brought together prominent officials and industry leaders.
Among the attendees were Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Fahed Salem Alkayyoomi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Government Enablement, and Mohammad Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at ADIO. This platform highlighted the importance of the Golden Vendor List in shaping Abu Dhabi’s economic future.
Expanding the Scope of the Golden List
The Golden Vendor List introduces key enhancements to the existing Golden List, broadening its scope and making it a cornerstone for fostering local procurement and industrial development.
The initiative now encompasses 145 industries, significantly increasing opportunities for local suppliers to meet the procurement needs of both government entities and private sector companies. This expansion covers 74% of the government’s product-based procurement requirements, ensuring local businesses align with Abu Dhabi’s strategic goals.
The initiative aims to further incorporate services with high government demand, enabling local suppliers to diversify and contribute more effectively to the economy. By integrating the products and services into Abu Dhabi’s government tendering processes, the Golden Vendor List strengthens the emphasis on local content in procurement evaluations.
Driving Local Content and Economic Growth
Under the updated framework, the Golden Vendor List plays a vital role in the Abu Dhabi Local Content Programme.
It allocates a portion of procurement evaluation scores to businesses participating in the programme, progressively increasing their contribution to the scoring formula. This underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing local content while simultaneously bolstering the growth of Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector.
Through the initiative, companies can actively contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic objectives by supporting local suppliers, increasing manufacturing capabilities, and employing Emirati nationals. This not only strengthens the local economy but also creates a more diversified and resilient industrial base.
Introduction of Harmonised System (HS) Codes
A major innovation within the Golden Vendor List is the incorporation of Harmonised System (HS) codes. These internationally recognised codes classify products systematically, streamlining the procurement process for both suppliers and buyers. This ensures data-driven, efficient transactions, fostering confidence and clarity in procurement activities.
Supporting Innovation and Workforce Development
The Golden Vendor List promotes technology adoption, research, and development across various industries. By driving investments in innovation, the initiative lays the foundation for a more diversified and sustainable economy.
Additionally, it focuses on empowering the local workforce by creating job opportunities and providing avenues for upskilling. These efforts align with Abu Dhabi’s broader economic vision of building a knowledge-based economy.
Strengthening Government Procurement Processes
The updated framework of the Golden Vendor List integrates local products and services into the government’s procurement strategy. By leveraging government spending, the initiative ensures local industries gain a competitive edge, contributing to job creation and the enhancement of skills.
This transparent approach also attracts investors, enabling them to strengthen supply chains and support long-term economic growth.
Mohammad Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at ADIO, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “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.”
Impact on Non-Oil Sectors
The Golden Vendor List’s emphasis on local content significantly contributes to the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy, reducing reliance on oil revenues. By supporting the growth of non-oil sectors, the initiative accelerates sustainable development and aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of economic resilience and prosperity.
The transparency of the Golden Vendor List provides investors with clear access to government tenders, encouraging them to engage with local industries. This increased participation not only strengthens the supply chain but also boosts confidence in Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering a robust industrial ecosystem.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
The Golden Vendor List represents a transformative step for Abu Dhabi’s economic landscape. By prioritizing local content, driving innovation, and fostering workforce development, the initiative ensures that local industries thrive in a competitive environment.
Its focus on integrating advanced systems like HS codes, supporting non-oil sector growth, and aligning with the government’s strategic goals makes it a pivotal tool for sustainable industrial development.
Through this initiative, Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a global economic leader, paving the way for a more resilient and diversified economy. The Golden Vendor List not only empowers local businesses but also enhances Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a hub for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.
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