ADNEC Heavy Machinery Exhibitor Guide: Spreader Plates & RAMS

Make it in the Emirates 2026 at ADNEC (4–7 May 2026, Halls 1–11 & ICC) will be a critical buying and policy moment for industrial suppliers. This ADNEC heavy machinery exhibitor guide explains the technical rules you cannot ignore — from spreader‑plate math and RAMS deadlines to booking official lifters — and shows how Burdak Technical Services prevents last‑minute failures.

Why Make it in the Emirates 2026 matters for heavy‑equipment exhibitors

The forum runs 4–7 May 2026 across ADNEC Halls 1–11 and the ICC, drawing ministerial delegations, procurement teams and expected industrial buyers. Organisers anticipate 500+ industrial brands and 20,000+ industry professionals for the industrial track, with wider UAE industrial shows recording up to 58,000 visitors and 720 companies in 2025.

How industrial exhibitors differ from booth shows

• Drive‑in machinery and outdoor rigs require vehicle access, spreader plates and precise ground protection plans.
• Heavy lifts and crane operations introduce rigging loads, certified slings and inspector sign‑offs.
• On‑site commissioning often needs electrical/mechanical work that can’t be delayed without losing demo slots or buyers.

Authoritative stat box

• Projected industrial exhibitors: 500+ brands
• Projected visitors to industrial track: 20,000+
• ADNEC enforcement intensity: strict UDL enforcement, mandatory RAMS uploads, loading‑bay slot deposits and on‑site fines (typ. AED 100–300)

ADNEC technical rules you cannot ignore

ADNEC enforces a standard uniformly distributed load (UDL) of 4,000 kg/m². Uncompensated point loads (machine feet, crane outriggers) are not permitted — you must spread them with approved plates.

Floor loading and point‑load math

Calculate required plate area for a point load using: Plate area (m²) = Point load (kg) ÷ 4,000 (kg/m²). Example calculations:

• Single machine foot carrying 2,500 kg → area = 2,500 ÷ 4,000 = 0.625 m² (square plate ≈ 790 × 790 mm).
• 10,000 kg machine on four feet → per foot = 2,500 kg → per foot plate area = 0.625 m²; total spreader area = 2.5 m².
• If outriggers concentrate 20,000 kg on one pad → required area = 5.0 m² (very large — design a baseframe).

Acceptable plate materials are typically steel or timber to ADNEC's standards. Steel plates should be flat, structural grade (e.g., S275/S355), and corrosion‑treated; timber must be marine‑grade plywood/laminated hardwood with certified thickness and bearing area.

Rigging, engineering sign‑offs and deadlines

• Single rigging point limit: typically ~500 kg — confirm with official lifter for your booking.
• Engineering sign‑off: required for structures over 4 m high or complex heavy rigging, and for loads >10 t where structural calculations are needed.
• Lifting plan deadline: submit lifting plans and RAMS ~30 days before build‑up; ADNEC will reject late or incomplete submissions.

Logistics and official partners

• ADNEC operates a loading‑bay slot system with deposits and penalties for overstays; slots must be prebooked.
• Official lifting and freight partners often hold exclusive on‑site rights; late internal bookings can trigger surcharges of +20–50%.
• Overstays or non‑compliance commonly attract fines of AED 100–300+ and possible holding yard delays.

Real exhibitor failures and the real cost of being unprepared

Examples below are based on common failures at ADNEC and similar UAE exhibitions.

• Rejected at the door: A drive‑in demo truck lacked spreader plates; entry was refused and the stand missed its prime build slot.
• RAMS rejected: A space‑only heavy‑equipment exhibitor had an incomplete RAMS submission; access was delayed 24+ hours while documents were revised and resubmitted.
• Last‑minute lifting: An exhibitor booked ADNEC’s official lifter on the day and paid a 50% surcharge plus 4 hours waiting in a holding yard.

Typical quantified costs:

• On‑site fines: AED 100–300 (typical per incident).
• Late lifting tariffs: +20–50% on standard rates.
• Operational delays: multiple hours lost in holding yards; missed demo windows and buyer meetings.

Downstream impacts include missed demo slots, lost sales meetings, damaged machinery, and negative press that can affect procurement relationships long after the show.

Burdak’s technical playbook — how we solve ADNEC heavy‑machinery pain points

In‑house fabrication and spreader plates

We operate CNC and structural metalwork capabilities to fabricate bespoke steel spreader plates and heavy bases sized and certified to ADNEC specs. Plates are produced with certified material traceability, weld records and finish suitable for indoor exhibition use.

Full‑scale warehouse mock‑ups

Our warehouse supports full‑scale mock‑ups and pre‑assembly. We pre‑fit machine bases, test load distribution, and secure client sign‑off so the unit goes straight to door with minimal on‑site adjustments — reducing ADNEC door‑time and avoiding loading‑bay overruns.

Lifting coordination & RAMS delivery

We prepare lifting plans and RAMS >30 days before build‑up, book official lifters on the client’s behalf, and supply certified slings/shackles with inspector certificates. Our templates and experienced engineers speed approvals and limit rejections.

Logistics & project management

• Assigned project manager for a single point of coordination.
• Own transport fleet for large components and pre‑staging to avoid holding yard delays.
• On‑site supervision during build‑up to liaise with ADNEC officials and official lifters.

A 7‑step exhibitor checklist and timeline (60–0 days)

1. 60+ days: Confirm stand position; identify ADNEC official freight/lifter; start engineering calcs if >4 m or >10 t.
2. 30 days: Submit lifting plans & RAMS; pre‑book lifting/forklift and loading‑bay slots; calculate and order spreader plates.
3. 14–7 days: Full‑scale mock‑up in Burdak warehouse; client sign‑off; label and pack components for transport.
4. 7–1 days: Pre‑stage components; confirm Contractor/ADNEC permits; finalise early morning delivery slot.
5. Build‑up day: PM on site; coordinate official lifter; install spreader plates and secure machine; verify electrical/MEP connections.
6. During show: On‑call support for commissioning and electrical; spares and lifting standby if required.
7. Dismantle: Safe removal plan; floor checks; return plates if ADNEC requires.

For fast turnarounds, contact Burdak for 24–48 hour quoting, bespoke spreader‑plate fabrication, and full mock‑up bookings.

FAQ

Q: What is the ADNEC floor loading limit?

A: ADNEC enforces a UDL of 4,000 kg/m². Point loads must be spread with approved plates or baseframes.

Q: When must lifting plans and RAMS be submitted?

A: Lifting plans and RAMS should be submitted about 30 days before build‑up to ensure ADNEC approval and avoid access delays.

Q: Are official lifters mandatory?

A: ADNEC uses official lifting/freight partners with on‑site rights. Book early to avoid surcharges of +20–50% and waiting time.

Q: How do I calculate spreader‑plate size?

A: Use plate area (m²) = point load (kg) ÷ 4,000 kg/m². Adjust for number of feet and design a steel baseframe for very concentrated loads.

Q: What penalties can I expect for non‑compliance?

A: Typical fines range from AED 100–300 per incident with additional holding‑yard hours and late lifting surcharges.

Contact Burdak Technical Services to schedule a quotation, bespoke spreader‑plate fabrication or a full 3D/warehouse mock‑up for Make it in the Emirates 2026.