Avoid ATM Delays: DWTC Build-Up Compliance Guide

Avoid ATM Delays: DWTC Build-Up Compliance Guide

February 16, 2026

We wrote this guide to help Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai and exhibitors avoid on-site delays at ATM 2026. With DWTC’s strict RAMS, rigging and loading rules, early coordination and controlled fabrication are essential to prevent fines, surcharges and lost install windows.

Why ATM 2026 raises the stakes for Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai

Quick snapshot: ATM 2026 runs 4–7 May 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Expect roughly 2,800 exhibitors and ~55–60k visitors, a scale that turns small mistakes into major delays.

High footfall amplifies enforcement and logistics bottlenecks: DWTC’s operations teams tighten checks (RAMS, structural sign-offs, accredited rigging) and the loading bay schedule becomes congested. When thousands of stands, contractors and freight movements coincide, venue contractors strictly enforce deadlines to protect fire-safety, circulation and show schedules.

Takeaway for organisers: No margin for surprise.

Essential DWTC compliance checklist every ATM exhibitor must clear — Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai

RAMS submission

  • Submit full Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS) 30 days before build-up. Late or incomplete RAMS can result in Permission to Build being withheld on site.

Height and structural rules

  • Standard space-only height limit: 4.0 m. Structures above 4.0 m require certified structural calculations, engineering sign-off and an inspection before build.

Rigging

  • All ceiling rigging must be booked through DWTC’s approved ceiling contractor. Provide certified load calculations and lifting plans in advance.
  • Delivery windows for banners/rigging hardware are limited; late or uncertified rigging can be denied on the day.

Electrical & 24‑hour power

  • Electrical and 24‑hour power orders typically close 14–21 days before build. Fridges, servers and demo equipment require a separate 24‑hour supply order.
  • Testing and certification are required; late orders commonly incur 20–50% surcharges and risk incomplete circuits at handover.

Loading‑bay & vehicle slot booking

  • DWTC uses a strict time‑slot system for vehicle access. Book early and confirm. Missed slots usually mean diversion to a holding yard and delayed unloading.
  • Penalties and extended hold times apply for missed or unmanaged arrivals during peak windows.

The single biggest failure at ATM — on-site surprises from outsourced builds

The typical failure: a contractor fabricates components offsite and ships direct to DWTC without a full-scale pre‑staging or mock‑up. On site, the stand doesn't fit the shell, fixings are incompatible, or services don’t line up. This triggers last-minute carpentry, rework and missed rigging/vehicle slots.

  • Real impacts: multi‑hour delays to install, steep late‑order surcharges (20–50%), denied rigging access and potential fines for unsafe build practices.
  • National pavilion risk: a single sub‑exhibitor failing to submit RAMS or a structural calc can block approvals for the entire pavilion, halting all builds until compliance is demonstrated.

How Burdak prevents ATM build‑up failures (technical playbook) — Arabian Travel Market stand builders Dubai

We remove the common failure modes by owning the critical path: design, fabrication, MEP and logistics.

In‑house fabrication

  • Full control of carpentry, CNC precision cutting, electrical and MEP in our Al Quoz facility reduces finger‑pointing and hidden reworks.

Full‑scale warehouse mock‑ups

  • Process: fabricate components → full assembly in Al Quoz warehouse → client walk‑through & sign‑off → pack for pre‑staging.
  • Measurable benefits: zero fit issues on site, predictable install windows and fewer onsite labour hours.

24–48h quoting + assigned project manager

  • Rapid quotes and a single point of accountability compress lead times and accelerate decision cycles.

RAMS & MEP coordination

  • We prepare and submit RAMS, produce certified structural and MEP calculations where required, and coordinate Civil Defence/Council permits ahead of build.

Pre‑staging & logistics

  • We book loading slots, manage in‑house transport, operate contingency vehicles and supply on‑site crew to avoid holding‑yard delays and last‑minute rework.

Practical 8‑week timeline & ATM exhibitor checklist (with Burdak deliverables)

  • Weeks 8–6: Space booking and initial brief. Burdak issues 24–48h quote; sign contract and assign PM.
  • Weeks 6–4: Detailed design, prepare structural calculations if >4.0 m, RAMS draft and MEP load estimate.
  • Weeks 4–2: Full‑scale warehouse mock‑up completed, client sign‑off, place electrical and rigging orders with DWTC during early‑bird window.
  • Week 1 (pre‑build): Pre‑staging to holding yard, confirm loading‑bay slots, final RAMS submission and crew accreditation.
  • Build & show: Rapid install from pre‑staged packs with on‑site PM support. Post‑show controlled dismantle and storage or return logistics.

Contingency checklist: your first calls should be: 1) your Burdak project manager, 2) DWTC Exhibitor Services (for slot/routing changes), 3) DWTC approved rigging contractor (for rigging denials) and 4) Civil Defence/Council for permits. Keeping these lines open saves hours and prevents fines.

FAQ

When is ATM 2026 and where?

ATM 2026 is 4–7 May 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

What is the RAMS deadline?

RAMS must be submitted approximately 30 days before build-up. Late submissions risk Permission to Build being withheld.

What is the standard height limit?

Standard space-only height limit is 4.0 m. Anything higher requires certified structural calculations and prior sign-off.

Who handles rigging?

All ceiling rigging must be arranged through DWTC’s approved subcontractor with certified load calculations. Unbooked or uncertified rigging can be denied.

What happens if we miss a loading slot?

Vehicles are typically sent to a holding yard and offload times are delayed. Missed slots can also incur penalties and disrupt subsequent installs.

How does Burdak reduce risk?

We use in‑house fabrication, full‑scale mock‑ups, rapid quoting, RAMS submission and pre‑staging to eliminate common on‑site surprises—reducing onsite hours, avoiding surcharges and guaranteeing compliance.

For a fast, compliant build at ATM 2026 contact your Burdak project manager or email us through our corporate enquiries channel. We guarantee reduced on‑site install hours, lower surcharge exposure and full DWTC compliance.

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