Finances Glossary

Decode the buzzwords of the finances space
THE LANGUAGE OF FINANCES
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Startup Glossary  | Finanshels

Glossary

Running a business in the UAE means navigating a financial vocabulary that can feel overwhelming — especially if accounting is not your background. This glossary has been built specifically for UAE business owners, startup founders, and entrepreneurs. Every definition is written in plain English, tied to UAE regulations, and linked to deeper guides where relevant. Bookmark this page. You will come back to it.

Invoice

A formal document issued by a seller to a buyer specifying the goods or services provided, amounts due, and payment terms. In the UAE, VAT-registered businesses must issue tax invoices that include the supplier's TRN (Tax Registration Number), the date, VAT amount, and other FTA-required details.

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Journal entry

A journal entry is a record of a financial transaction in a company's accounting records.

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Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

A key performance indicator (KPI) is a measurable value that is used to assess the performance of an organization, team, or individual against a set of targets or objectives.

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Last Twelve Months (LTM)

Last Twelve Months (LTM) is a term used to refer to the most recent twelve months for which financial data is available.

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Ledger

A ledger is a book or database that is used to record financial transactions.

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Liabilities

Any financial obligation or debt owed by a business — including loans, accounts payable, VAT payable, and accrued expenses. UAE businesses must clearly distinguish between current liabilities (due within 12 months) and long-term liabilities on their balance sheet.

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Licence (Trade Licence)

The legal authorisation issued by UAE authorities permitting a business to operate specific commercial activities.

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Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity that provides its owners with limited liability protection.

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Liquidity

Liquidity refers to a company's ability to meet its short-term obligations.

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Lock-Up Period

A lock-up period is a contractual agreement between a company and its investors that restricts the sale of the company's shares for a certain period of time.

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Mainland Company

A UAE company registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED), licensed to trade across the UAE without geographical restrictions.

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Management Accounts

Internal financial reports — typically monthly or quarterly — prepared for business owners and management rather than for regulatory filing.

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