Abu Dhabi unveils expanded Golden Vendor list, covers 145 industries

Abu Dhabi has unveiled the updated Golden Vendor List, a key initiative under the Abu Dhabi Local Content (ADLC) Programme, which aims to increase local business participation in government procurement and fuel economic growth across the emirate.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Business Week (ADBW), reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to diversifying its economy and fostering sustainable industrial development.

Launched by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement (ADDGE), the expanded Golden Vendor List will support government and private sector entities in sourcing from a broader pool of high-quality, local suppliers.

The list is designed to align with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals, prioritising local content and boosting the emirate’s manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Golden Vendor List: Expansion to 145 industries

The revamped Golden Vendor List now includes 145 industries, covering 74 per cent of the government’s product-based procurement needs.

This expansion is a significant enhancement over the previous version, enabling local suppliers to better meet government requirements across a wide range of sectors.

As part of this growth, the list will gradually incorporate service sectors with high government demand, further broadening its scope and impact.

The Golden Vendor List will be integrated into the Abu Dhabi Government tendering process, ensuring that local content is a key factor in government procurement decisions.

Under the updated framework, participation in the ADLC Programme will contribute to the commercial evaluation of tenders, with the weight of this contribution expected to increase progressively.

This shift underscores the government’s commitment to supporting local industries while driving sustainable economic growth.

Supporting local suppliers and economic diversification

The Golden Vendor List initiative is a strategic step toward strengthening the local economy. By fostering closer links between government procurement and local manufacturing, the programme encourages companies to boost their contributions to the local economy.

This includes increasing local sourcing, employing Emirati nationals, and enhancing the domestic manufacturing sector.

“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,” said Mohammad Al Kamali, chief trade and industry officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).

“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.”

Al Kamali added that the initiative was designed to create a more transparent and accessible procurement environment for local businesses, ensuring they have the tools to compete effectively and scale within the government sector.

Streamlined procurement with international standards

One of the key updates to the Golden Vendor List is the introduction of Harmonised System (HS) codes, an internationally recognised classification system for products.

This new standardisation is expected to streamline the procurement process, enabling local suppliers and purchasing entities to engage in more efficient, data-driven transactions.

The adoption of HS codes will enhance transparency and simplify communication between businesses and government entities.