Avoid DWTC Build Delays at ATM 2026 — Practical Guide for Exhibitors

ATM 2026 at a glance — Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai scale, dates and why DWTC matters

Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai should plan now: ATM 2026 runs 4–7 May 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Historically ATM occupies Halls 1–8 plus Sheikh Saeed and Za’abeel halls, attracting roughly 47,000 attendees and over 2,600 exhibitors. For travel brands the commercial stakes are high — lead volume, partner meetings and press exposure during those four days directly affect 12 months of sales and partnerships.

DWTC will be busy in H1 2026 (DWTC/DEC programme shows around 71 events in the first half), creating a capacity squeeze that raises logistics risk: tighter marshalling schedules, limited on-site storage and constrained rigging/bookings. For busy teams and stand builders, this elevates the chance of late orders, surcharges and permit delays unless pre-emptive steps are taken.

DWTC technical rules that commonly derail stands — Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai

DWTC enforces technical rules that frequently cause last-minute rework. Familiarity and compliance are non-negotiable.

• Height limit: standard stand height is 4.0 m. Any structure over 4.0 m requires a structural engineering sign-off and DWTC approval; unapproved double-deck or over-height elements are rejected on-site.
• Rigging and point-loads: all hanging elements need a rigging permit and pre-booked rig points with specified point-load values. Points are limited and allocated early.
• Shell-scheme restrictions: no drilling, screwing, or painting of official shell panels—damage fees apply.
• Transparency rule: DWTC enforces a 50% transparency/opening guideline for aisle-facing walls on larger island stands to maintain circulation and sightlines.
• Marshalling & loading bay slots: strict time windows apply. Arriving without the correct slot can mean waiting hours or days.
• On-site storage limits: DWTC restricts empty crates and temporary storage; most venues fine for overstays or require immediate removal.
• Build/breakdown windows: space-only stands typically get 4–5 days build access before the show and tight breakdown schedules afterwards.

Common failure scenarios

• Hanging banner with no pre-booked rig point — crane arrives but no rated point is available, meaning last-minute rework or lost installation slot.
• Double-decker in a restricted zone without structural sign-off — Permission-to-Build rejected on arrival, causing a full redesign or dismantle.
• Rejected RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) — missing or insufficient documentation delays Permission-to-Build and prevents any on-site works.

The #1 exhibitor pain point — tight build-up timelines & paperwork for Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai

The most frequent exhibitor complaint is not design — it’s timing and paperwork. When schedules slip, consequences multiply:

• Schedule slip → costs: on-site overtime, labour premiums and late-order surcharges (20–50%) for electricity, internet or rigging.
• Missed rigging slots: hanging items delayed or downgraded to ground-mounted solutions.
• Poor QA: graphics installed late, AV systems not fully tested, resulting in a reduced appearance and functionality for launch day.
• OSH risks: exhausted crews and rushed installs increase safety incidents and potential DWTC non-compliance fines.

For travel exhibitors the real costs show up as missed meetings, compromised brand presentation and reputational risk with partners and press.

How Burdak’s in-house fabrication + full-scale mock-up removes risk — Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai

We mitigate build delays by controlling fabrication and assembly before DWTC. Our Al Quoz workshop combines full in-house joinery, CNC precision cutting, electrical and AV pre-installation and structural assembly.

What we do in practice

• Full-scale mock-up: we pre-assemble the stand in our warehouse for a client walkthrough. This verifies fit, sightlines, lighting and AV before anything ships.
• CNC and joinery: panels cut to tolerance and labelled for quick reassembly at the hall.
• Electrical & AV prep: lighting runs, track, power distribution and AV racks are pre-mounted and tested.
• Structural checks: double-deck or over-height elements are engineered and signed-off prior to submission to DWTC.

Mock-up workflow & guarantees

1. Full-scale pre-assembly at our Al Quoz workshop.
2. Client walkthrough and on-the-spot adjustments; final sign-off reduces on-site changes.
3. Deconstruct, crate and palletise with correct DWTC labelling for the official forwarder.
4. Pre-submitted RAMS and method statements (6+ weeks), plus structural calculations when required.
5. DWTC-accredited build crew and pre-booked rig points and marshalling slots.
6. On-site install reduced to hours rather than days — medium stands typically rebuild in 12–24 hours under our supervision.

Concrete deliverables

• Pre-submitted RAMS/method statements at least 6 weeks before the show.
• DWTC-accredited crew and documentation to avoid Permission-to-Build delays.
• Pre-booked rigging points and confirmed point-load values.
• Palletised, labelled freight coordinated with DWTC-approved forwarders.
• Guaranteed on-site build windows and a named Burdak Project Manager for single-point accountability.

6-week checklist & timeline for ATM exhibitors — Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai (actionable CTA)

Follow this timeline exactly to avoid the common traps at DWTC.

• Week -6: appoint a DWTC-accredited contractor (We recommend Burdak), submit RAMS/method statements and book electricity, internet and rigging points.
• Week -4: complete and sign-off the full-scale mock-up, finalise graphics and AV specifications, confirm freight bookings with an official DWTC forwarder.
• Week -2: receive mock-up fixes, complete CNC panel production, crate and pallet labelling, confirm marshalling and arrival slots.
• Build week: coordinated marshalling arrival, on-site assembly supervised by the Burdak PM, client walkthrough and handover on show build completion, support through the show and rapid dismantle plan ready for breakdown day.

Contact Burdak to reserve mock-up slots and let us coordinate your DWTC permit submissions—this single point of accountability reduces risk and typically eliminates last-minute surcharges.

FAQ — Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai

• Q: What is the standard stand height limit at DWTC?
  A: 4.0 m — anything over requires structural sign-off and DWTC approval.
• Q: How early should I submit RAMS and method statements?
  A: Submit at least 6 weeks before the event to avoid Permission-to-Build delays.
• Q: How long is the typical build window for space-only stands?
  A: Usually 4–5 days prior to the show for space-only. With Burdak’s mock-up approach, medium stands can be assembled on-site in 12–24 hours.
• Q: What are the costs of late orders?
  A: Late electric, internet or rigging orders often carry 20–50% surcharges and can be rejected if slots are filled.
• Q: Why use an in-house fabricator like Burdak?
  A: In-house fabrication and 3D/full-scale mock-ups eliminate guesswork, reduce on-site labour, prevent documentation rejections and lower the chance of surcharges.

To secure a worry-free build at ATM 2026, contact Burdak for mock-up bookings, DWTC permit coordination and accredited build teams. We provide single-point accountability so your launch day is on time and on brief.