diff --git a/numpy/__init__.py b/numpy/__init__.py
index 25e72ee16..cc0a8aebf 100644
--- a/numpy/__init__.py
+++ b/numpy/__init__.py
@@ -198,6 +198,8 @@ else:
     oldnumeric = 'removed'
     numarray = 'removed'
 
+    __mkl_version__ = "__MKL_VERSION__"
+
     def _sanity_check():
         """
         Quick sanity checks for common bugs caused by environment.
