Construction Glossary
Searchable database of construction abbreviations and terminology. Includes RFI, IFC, NCR, FIDIC terms, and common Arabic-English construction vocabulary for the UAE and GCC region.
Comprehensive glossary of construction industry abbreviations, acronyms, and terms commonly used in project documentation, contracts, and communications. Includes Arabic-English translations for regional projects.
51
Abbreviations
9
Categories
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Formal request from contractor to designer for clarification
Drawing status indicating approval for construction
Drawing status for tendering purposes
Same as IFC, approved drawings
Drawing showing actual constructed work
Document outlining inspection and testing requirements
Report documenting work not meeting specifications
Request for inspection of completed work
Request for approval of materials
Document describing construction method
Overall quality management document
Itemized list of materials and labor for pricing
Instruction to change scope of work
Written confirmation of verbal directive
Allowance for specialist work/materials
Allowance for undefined work
Approved extension to contract completion date
Pre-determined compensation for delay
Certificate for progress payment
Certificate for final payment
International federation publishing standard contracts
Preliminary agreement before formal contract
Formal notification of contract award
UK-based standard form of contract
UK standard building contract
Building services trades
Climate control systems
Concrete with steel reinforcement
Concrete with tensioned cables
Lightweight concrete with glass fiber reinforcement
Fiberglass composite material
Facade cladding material
Rubber waterproofing membrane
Top of structural slab level
Top of floor finish level
Same as SFL
Top surface of concrete element
Soffit level of concrete slab
Top level of wall
Top level of beam
Soffit of beam
Center axis of element
Applies to similar items
Drawing not proportionally accurate
Equal spacing/dimension
Clear dimension, no obstructions
Information pending confirmation
Information to follow
Does not apply
Reference document/drawing
Document revision
Notes:
- Abbreviations are commonly used in GCC and international construction projects
- Some terms may have regional variations in meaning
- Arabic translations follow standard construction industry usage
- Always clarify abbreviations in formal contract documents
REFERENCE INFORMATION
This tool provides standard reference data compiled from industry sources.
Note:
• Data is provided for quick reference and may not reflect the most current standards or specifications.
About This Calculator
The Construction Glossary provides a searchable database of construction industry abbreviations, terminology, and definitions commonly used across UAE and Gulf projects. Look up document types (RFI, IFC, NCR), FIDIC contract terms, technical specifications, and Arabic-English construction vocabulary. Essential for international teams, new engineers, and anyone navigating the specialized language of Gulf construction projects.
When to Use This Calculator
- Understanding abbreviations in project correspondence and specifications
- Looking up FIDIC contract terminology and clause meanings
- Finding Arabic translations for technical construction terms
- Training new team members on industry vocabulary
- Clarifying document types and their purposes (RFI, TQ, NCR, etc.)
How to Use This Calculator
Search or Browse
Enter a term, abbreviation, or keyword in the search box, or browse alphabetically.
View Definition
See the full definition with context for how the term is used in Gulf construction.
Check Translation
View Arabic translations for terms when available.
See Related Terms
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Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects
Graduate engineer joining a Dubai high-rise project uses the glossary to understand abbreviations in daily reports: RFI (Request for Information), TQ (Technical Query), NCR (Non-Conformance Report), MIR (Material Inspection Request). Accelerates integration into the project team.
Quantity surveyor prepares variation submission under FIDIC Yellow Book contract. Uses glossary to clarify contract terminology: EOT (Extension of Time), VO (Variation Order), DAB (Dispute Adjudication Board), and relevant sub-clauses for claims.
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Last Updated: January 2026
Standards Reference: FIDIC Contract Forms, ISO 6707-1 Building Terminology, RICS Terminology