Beat ATM Move-In Chaos: Pre-Assembly Mockups

pre-assembly mockup Dubai is the fastest way to remove the most common risks at ATM 2026. With DWTC move-in windows compressed and thousands of exhibitors converging, a full-scale warehouse mock-up reduces on-site hours, prevents height and rigging non-conformance, and protects your budget from waste and late-working fines.

ATM 2026 — Why this event amplifies stand-build risk

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 runs 4–7 May 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Expect 55,000–60,000 attendees and 2,800+ exhibitors. Space-only demand is up around 10%, and TravelTech segments are growing over 50% — all of which push density and complexity higher than previous years.

DWTC’s H1 calendar is crowded: 71 events already scheduled, which tightens hall recovery windows and forces stricter move-in/move-out sequencing. Heavy build-up is projected for 1–2 May with shell-scheme dressing on 3 May. That compression leaves little margin for onsite errors, delayed customs clearance, or extra build time.

The three critical exhibitor pain points at DWTC (logistics, rules, fines)

1. Logistics & shipping

• 48-hour clearance rule: DWTC expects freight to clear within 48 hours. Late customs or incorrect paperwork means missed vehicle slots and expensive storage or courier issues.
• Vehicle/unloading time slots: Unloading windows are tightly scheduled via DWTC marshals. Missing a slot often means waiting several hours or losing the slot entirely.
• No on-site storage for empty crates: Empty crates must be removed immediately; leaving them risks fines and space penalties.
• Common freight failures: oversized crates, undocumented AV equipment, and delayed customs release are the usual culprits that derail an on-schedule install.

2. Build-up constraints & technical rules

• Height limits: shell scheme stands capped at 2.5m, space-only typically capped at 4.0m, island and rigging higher only with approved applications (up to 6.0m in specific cases).
• Rigging approvals: Suspended signs and heavy rigging are managed through official contractors; unauthorised rigging will be rejected on-site.
• Late-working passes: Strict enforcement; crews without permits may be forced to stop, attracting late-working penalties.

3. Sustainability & housekeeping

• Single-use plastic bans: DWTC and many organisers now prohibit single-use plastics — non-compliance risks fines and removal orders.
• Recyclable materials required: Shows increasingly demand demonstrable use of recyclable materials and documentation.
• Waste-abandonment fines: Leaving construction waste or empty crates attracts heavy penalties and can block move-out schedules.

Why pre-assembly mockup Dubai is the fastest way to eliminate risk

At Burdak we define a pre-assembly mock-up as a full-scale, client-ready assembly of the stand in our Al Quoz warehouse prior to transport to DWTC. It includes:

• Full-scale carpentry and joinery assembly (CNC precision) and dimensional verification
• Electrical testing and AV dry-runs with labelled cabling plans
• Lighting alignment and branding placement checks
• RAMS and method statements validated and approved before dispatch
• Client walkthrough and sign-off (3D mockups and physical verification)

Direct benefits:

• Reduced on-site hours: Fewer vehicle slots and less marshal time required because modules arrive ready to connect.
• Fewer on-site fixes: Height, rigging and dimensional issues caught in the warehouse prevent rework at DWTC.
• Lower waste/fine risk: Pre-built modules minimise onsite cutting and material waste; immediate removal of crates avoids abandonment fines.
• Smoother customs handover: Labelled crates and pre-issued transport documentation speed the 48-hour clearance window.

Technical proof points:

• CNC precision joinery reduces site adjustments by producing repeatable, modular components to millimetre tolerances.
• RAMS and method statements are prepared and pre-approved, reducing the likelihood of stop-work orders.
• Client sign-off at the mock-up stage prevents late design changes that otherwise cause rush premiums and time overruns.

Practical, event-ready checklist for ATM exhibitors (timeline & responsibilities)

1. 8–6 weeks out:
   • Finalise designs and structural calculations.
   • Submit rigging and height applications to DWTC or official contractors.
   • Book official contractors and confirm Burdak’s fabrication schedule.
2. 3–2 weeks out:
   • Complete fabrication; assemble full-scale mock-up in Burdak’s Al Quoz warehouse.
   • Conduct client walkthrough, electrical and AV dry-run; issue final RAMS and transport plan.
3. 72–48 hours before move-in:
   • Ensure freight has arrived and cleared customs where necessary.
   • Confirm vehicle unloading slots with DWTC marshaling; provide crate numbering and delivery manifest.
4. Move-in week (1–3 May):
   • Execute rapid install plan: modular assembly, numbered crates, and a dedicated installation crew.
   • Activate waste removal plan and have late-working permits on hand if required.
5. Day-of-event & breakdown:
   • On-site Burdak support contact for immediate fixes; remove empty crates promptly.
   • Follow agreed post-event transport schedule to avoid storage or abandonment penalties.

How Burdak solves ATM-specific problems — services, deliverables and outcomes

• In-house fabrication + CNC joinery: Single-source accountability reduces rework. We fabricate components to exact tolerances in Al Quoz to ensure plug-and-play onsite assembly.
• Full-scale 3D mockups in Al Quoz: Client sign-off includes electrical and AV dry-runs, dimensional verification and branding alignment. This prevents height and rigging rework at DWTC.
• Logistics & site coordination: Our dedicated fleet and logistics team prepare labelled manifests, RAMS and transport plans, and liaise directly with DWTC marshals to protect unloading windows.
• Rush-capacity & guarantees: We offer a 4–7 day rush delivery capability with transparent pricing. Our explicit guarantee is to minimise on-site hours and help avoid DWTC fines.

Outcome for clients: less onsite labour, predictable costs, reduced fines and a reliable handover to DWTC operations.

FAQ

Q: What is a pre-assembly mockup and why is it important for ATM 2026?

A: A pre-assembly mockup is a full-scale stand assembly in our warehouse including electrical and AV testing. For ATM 2026, it prevents onsite dimension issues, speeds install and reduces the risk of fines tied to waste or late work at DWTC.

Q: How does Burdak handle DWTC height and rigging rules?

A: We verify all dimensions in our Al Quoz mockups against DWTC rules: shell scheme (2.5m), space-only (4.0m typical) and approved island rigging up to 6.0m. We prepare rigging applications and coordinate with official contractors where required.

Q: What logistics assurances do you provide for customs and move-in slots?

A: We provide labelled crate manifests, a 48-hour customs clearance plan and direct liaison with DWTC marshals. Our fleet and scheduled windows reduce the chance of missed unloading slots.

Q: Can you deliver on short notice?

A: Yes. Our rush capacity is 4–7 days depending on scope. We don’t add hidden rush premiums and we guarantee a mock-up, transport plan and minimized onsite hours.

Book a pre-assembly mock-up slot

Reduce risk at ATM 2026 with Burdak’s pre-assembly mockup Dubai service. Book a pre-assembly mock-up slot — secure your move-in window and request a 24–48 hour quote.