Why a Shared Glossary Helps
On UAE projects, the same document can be called an IPC, a payment application or a مستخلص, and teams switch between English and Arabic in the same meeting. This glossary gives short, plain definitions of the commercial and site terms used most often, in both languages, with links to where each one is handled in Arkan.
Meanings can vary between contracts. Where a definition matters to money or time, the wording of your contract governs.
Terms
BOQ (Bill of Quantities) — جدول الكميات (BOQ)
The priced list of work items in a contract, each with a description, unit, quantity and rate. It is the basis for valuing progress and variations.
In Arkan: BOQ management.
Quantity take-off — حصر الكميات
Measuring quantities from drawings and specifications to prepare or check a BOQ. Take-off produces the quantities; the BOQ prices them.
IPC (Interim Payment Certificate) — المستخلص الجاري (شهادة الدفع المرحلية)
The periodic statement of work done to date, less amounts previously certified, retention, advance recovery and other deductions, that shows the amount due for the period. Contractors usually say "progress payment" or "payment application" for the request and "certificate" for the certified amount.
In Arkan: Payment certificates.
Previous, current and cumulative — السابق والحالي والتراكمي
The three columns of a progress valuation: what was certified before, what was done this period, and the total to date. This period's value is the cumulative value less the previous value.
Retention — المحتجزات (الاستقطاع)
A percentage held back from each payment as security for completing the work and fixing defects, usually released in parts at completion and at the end of the defects period. The percentage and release terms come from the contract.
In Arkan: Retention calculator.
Advance payment and recovery — الدفعة المقدمة واستردادها
A sum paid to the contractor before work starts, for example for mobilisation or materials, and recovered by deductions from later payments, either as a percentage of each certificate or in fixed instalments.
Variation (variation order) — الأمر التغييري (أعمال إضافية أو محذوفة)
An instructed change to the scope of work: an addition, omission or alteration. It is valued under the contract's rules and, once agreed, adjusts the contract sum. "Change order" is the common US term.
In Arkan: Variations.
RFI (Request for Information) — طلب الاستيضاح الفني (RFI)
A formal question to the designer or consultant when the drawings or specifications are unclear, missing or in conflict. It asks for clarification; it is not, by itself, an instruction to change the work.
In Arkan: RFI management.
Submittal — التقديم للاعتماد (Submittal)
Information the contractor sends for review and approval before work proceeds, such as shop drawings, material samples, method statements or product data.
In Arkan: Submittal management.
Shop drawings — المخططات التنفيذية (Shop Drawings)
Detailed drawings prepared by the contractor or a supplier to show how an element will be made and installed, submitted for the consultant's approval.
As-built drawings — مخططات حسب التنفيذ (As-Built)
Drawings updated to show what was actually built, including changes made on site. They are usually part of the handover documents.
Inspection request — طلب الفحص (طلب الاستلام)
A request for the consultant to inspect completed work, such as reinforcement before a concrete pour, so the next activity can proceed.
In Arkan: Inspections.
NCR (Non-Conformance Report) — تقرير عدم المطابقة (NCR)
A record that work or material does not meet the specification, with the required correction and its close-out.
In Arkan: NCR management.
Snag list (punch list) — قائمة ملاحظات الاستلام (Snag List)
The list of defects and incomplete items found near completion that must be closed before handover. "Snag list" is the usual UAE and UK term; "punch list" is common in the US.
In Arkan: Snag lists.
Daily site report (site diary) — التقرير اليومي للموقع (يومية الموقع)
The dated record of each day on site: manpower, equipment, materials, weather, safety events and visitors. Contemporaneous records like this are often needed when delays are reviewed.
In Arkan: Daily logs.
Extension of time (EOT) — تمديد مدة الإنجاز (EOT)
An adjustment to the completion date for a delay the contract allows, such as late instructions or a variation. Entitlement and notice periods depend on the contract.
Taking-over and handover — الاستلام والتسليم
The stage at which the employer takes over the completed works, usually with a certificate and a handover file of as-built drawings, manuals and warranties.
Defects liability period (DLP) — فترة ضمان العيوب (فترة الإخطار بالعيوب)
The period after taking-over during which the contractor must fix defects that appear. FIDIC contracts call it the Defects Notification Period.
NOC (No Objection Certificate) — شهادة عدم ممانعة (NOC)
A letter from an authority or utility, such as an electricity and water provider, confirming it has no objection to the proposed work. Requirements and the issuing body depend on the emirate and the project.
Main contractor and subcontractor — المقاول الرئيسي ومقاول الباطن
The main contractor holds the contract with the employer; subcontractors are engaged by the main contractor for parts of the work, such as MEP or finishes.