Exhibition stand design and build checklist for Dubai shows, from brief to dismantle
A stand is judged in the first few seconds, but it is built over months. This checklist follows the order of the work for a show in Dubai, with the deadlines that tend to catch exhibitors.
Short answer
Work back from the show date: book space, send the brief to a builder, approve the design, submit stand drawings by the organiser's deadline, build, install and dismantle. Complex stands such as double-deck structures need engineer-approved drawings, and the deadline for them is earlier than for a standard stand.
Show dates to work from
Between now and mid-2027, Dubai hosts shows such as GITEX Global (summit on 7 December and expo on 8 to 11 December 2026 at Expo City Dubai), Intersec (12 to 14 January 2027 at Dubai World Trade Centre), WHX Dubai (25 to 28 January 2027) and Gulfood (15 to 19 March 2027). See our UAE activation calendar for the full list and confirm each date with its organiser.
1. Book space and set the goal
Choose the size and position with the organiser. The goal shapes the design: a lead-generation stand needs meeting areas and scanning points, while a brand stand needs impact and photo moments.
2. Brief a builder
Give each builder the same brief: size, number of open sides, the show and dates, the features you want and the technology. Ask for quotes in the same line items, as in our cost guide. Ask whether the stand is built in the builder's own workshop.
3. Design and approve
Review renders and the materials list. Check the design against the organiser's rules for height, fire rating and open sides. Freeze it before drawings go in, because changes after submission cost time.
4. Submit drawings on time
Organisers set deadlines for stand drawings, and complex structures have their own. As an example, the Arabian Travel Market's stand build regulations treat double-deck structures and anything over four metres as complex, require technical drawings and structural calculations, apply an earlier deadline than for standard stands and cap the upper deck at 50% of the stand space. Other shows set their own limits, so read the exhibitor manual of your show and ask your builder to confirm.
5. Build and install
A stand built in a workshop is checked before it ships. On site, build-up days are short and busy, and the venue sets rules for contractors, power and rigging. Order electrical points and internet early, since the organiser often sells them separately.
6. Staff the stand
Choose staff who can talk to the audience in the right languages. Brief them on the product and on how to qualify a lead, and set shifts so the stand is never empty. See how to hire promoters and brand ambassadors.
7. Dismantle and follow up
Dismantle inside the organiser's window, and decide in advance what is stored for reuse. Follow up every lead within days, while the conversation is fresh.
Arsh Marketing designs and fabricates stands and kiosks in-house, so the stand you approve is the one that arrives on site. See exhibition stands and production or send us your show details.
Questions
How early should I start planning an exhibition stand in Dubai?
Work back from the organiser's drawing deadline, and allow time for design, approval and build. Start as early as you can, since complex stands have earlier deadlines.
What is a complex stand at an exhibition?
Organisers usually classify double-deck structures and tall or structurally complex builds as complex, and require technical drawings and structural calculations. The Arabian Travel Market's rules, for example, count anything over four metres as complex.
Who submits stand drawings to the organiser?
The exhibitor or its appointed stand builder submits them. Agree who is responsible when you appoint the builder.
Are exhibition space and stand build charged separately?
Usually. The organiser charges for the floor space, and the stand builder charges for the stand. Ask each builder what the quote includes.
