Mock‑Up Guarantee: Contract Clauses to Avoid DWTC Rework

Why a ‘Mock‑Up Guarantee’ Is Your Best Insurance — pre-assembly mock-up guarantee Dubai

When you contract exhibition build services in the UAE, a pre-assembly mock-up guarantee Dubai converts verbal promises into enforceable deliverables. We define the Mock‑Up Guarantee as a contractual obligation that the contractor will deliver a full-scale, pre-assembled mock‑up at the factory, subject to defined acceptance criteria and remediation SLAs, before on‑site build begins. Our regional data and Burdak project records show factory mock‑ups reduce on‑site build time by 40–60% and materially cut the risk of RAMS rejections and venue penalties.

Common venue penalties prevented by the guarantee:

• Performance‑bond deductions for non‑compliance with DCD or drawdown of guarantees.
• Late‑order surcharges for power, rigging, internet or labor (typically 20–50% on late items or “subject to availability” orders).
• Crate and marshalling fines and “no empty case” penalties for unauthorised crate storage inside DWTC/ADNEC halls.

Which DWTC/ADNEC Deadlines Make Guarantees Non‑Negotiable — pre-assembly mock-up guarantee Dubai

Major UAE venues enforce strict cut‑offs that make a mock‑up guarantee essential. Know these calendar triggers and consequences:

• Engineered shop drawings & RAMS (3–6 weeks prior): DWTC and ADNEC require submitted and approved drawings and Risk Assessment Method Statements 3–6 weeks before build. Missing this window risks inspection rejection, rescheduled build slots and performance bond deductions.
• Heavy‑lift & rigging slots: Dedicated crane and rigging windows fill fast for peak events. Late booking can mean no crane availability or expensive private lifting hires.
• Early‑bird power, lighting & internet cut‑offs: Order early or face 20–50% surcharges or reduced service levels; some services become "subject to availability" after deadlines.
• DCD fire‑rating & material certification: Documentation must be ready for submission; failure causes on‑site rectification or stand closure.

Short timetable graphic suggestion for writers: a two‑row timeline showing "6–3 weeks out: Drawings & RAMS"; "3–2 weeks out: Mock‑up sign‑off & documentation pack"; "7–3 days out: Freight & crate sequencing to marshalling"; "Show build: On‑site install (reduced)". Label critical sanctions next to each window.

Contract Checklist: 8 Must‑Have Mock‑Up Clauses — pre-assembly mock-up guarantee Dubai

1. Acceptance criteria for mock‑up

   Define measurable acceptance tests (dimensions within ±2mm, finish tolerance, approved colour swatches, electrical functionality) and sign‑off protocol (client + technical rep). Rationale: removes ambiguity and prevents subjective rework claims.

2. Scope of pre‑assembly tests

   List tests to be performed: full‑scale assembly, mechanical fixity, door/window operation, bench electrical & inrush tests, load points verification. Rationale: ensures factory validation covers both structure and fit‑out systems.

3. Remedy SLA for failed mock‑ups

   Specify remediation timeframes (e.g., corrective action within 72 hours, re‑mock‑up within 7 calendar days) and responsibilities. Rationale: provides predictable timelines and enforces contractor accountability.

4. Credit / price hold for remediation

   Contract a credit or holdback percentage if remediations exceed SLA or cause late site delivery. Rationale: financially incentivises timely, right‑first‑time delivery.

5. Delivery & marshalling sequencing

   Obligate the supplier to provide labelled crate sequencing aligned to DWTC/ADNEC marshalling windows, with crate weight/size manifest. Rationale: prevents crate fines and marshal delays on arrival.

6. Customs & packing list responsibilities

   Define who prepares ATA carnets, packing lists and ICS entries and who bears penalties for missing documentation. Rationale: customs delays block build; contract clarity prevents cost disputes.

7. Certification & documentation hand‑over

   Require DCD fire prep certificates, material MSDS, engineered drawings and RAMS delivered X days before freight (we recommend 7–14 days). Rationale: ensures venue submissions are complete and on time.

8. Insurance & liability caps

   State minimum insurance (public liability, marine cargo) and define liability caps for indirect losses, while keeping remediation obligations intact. Rationale: balances risk and clarifies financial exposure for both parties.

Burdak’s Technical Workflow That Fulfills the Guarantee — pre-assembly mock-up guarantee Dubai

Our in‑house processes map directly to the contract clauses above. Key steps and measurable checkpoints:

• Design & engineered shop drawings: Produce stamped engineered drawings and RAMS. Checkpoint: drawings submitted to client and venue 21–42 days before build.
• CNC precision fabrication: In‑house CNC ensures dimensional tolerances (±2mm) and repeatability.
• Full‑scale pre‑assembly / 3D Mockups: Complete pre‑assembly in our factory to validate fit and finish. Checkpoint: completed mock‑up sign‑off by client and Burdak technical lead before crate packing.
• Bench electrical & inrush testing: Test lighting, AV racks and power distribution with labelled test results. Checkpoint: electrical test report included in documentation pack.
• DCD fire‑prep and material certification: Collate MSDS, fire ratings and certificates. Checkpoint: documentation pack delivered 7–14 days prior to freight departure for marshalling.
• Pack, label & stage crates for marshalling: Sequence crates by DWTC/ADNEC marshalling order and label with crate numbers and on‑site placement diagrams.

Execution Checklist: Pre‑Show Timetable & Risk Matrix — pre-assembly mock-up guarantee Dubai

10‑point ready‑to‑use checklist:

1. 21–42 days: Submit engineered drawings & RAMS to venue.
2. 21–28 days: Complete factory full‑scale mock‑up and obtain signed acceptance.
3. 14 days: Deliver documentation pack (DCD, MSDS, test reports) to client and organiser.
4. 14–10 days: Confirm heavy‑lift/rigging slots; book crane slots if required.
5. 10–7 days: Finalise crate sequencing and freight bookings to marshalling.
6. 7 days: Verify early‑bird power/internet orders have been placed.
7. 7–3 days: Escalation contact list confirmed (client PM, Burdak technical lead, organiser contact).
8. 3–1 days: On‑site team brief and confirmation of install crew arrival times.
9. Show build day: Use mock‑up sign‑off to limit on‑site modifications.
10. Post‑show: Handover defect log and warranty rectification plan.

Sample contract language (25–40 words) for a mock‑up acceptance clause:

"The Contractor shall deliver a full‑scale pre‑assembly mock‑up at its factory for Client approval; acceptance must be provided in writing within 5 days, failing which remediation is due within 72 hours."

FAQ — pre-assembly mock-up guarantee Dubai

• Q: Which events in the next 6 months need this guarantee?
  A: IAAPA Expo Middle East (ADNEC, Mar 30–Apr 2, 2026), Middle East Energy (DWTC, Apr 7–9, 2026), World Art Dubai (DWTC, Apr 22–26, 2026), ATM (DWTC, May 4–7, 2026) and Seamless Middle East (DWTC, May 12–14, 2026).
• Q: How much on‑site time will a factory mock‑up save?
  A: Our empirical data shows 40–60% reduction in on‑site build time.
• Q: What are typical surcharges for late orders?
  A: Organisers and suppliers commonly apply 20–50% late‑order surcharges or list services as subject to availability.
• Q: What documentation is critical for DCD?
  A: Engineered shop drawings, material fire ratings, MSDS and approved RAMS.

We provide the technical capability and documented processes — in‑house CNC fabrication, full‑scale 3D Mockups, bench electrical testing and DCD‑ready documentation — to make a pre‑assembly mock‑up guarantee Dubai practical and enforceable. If you want a contract review or a tailored mock‑up clause to include in your next DWTC/ADNEC proposal, contact our technical team to convert risk into a sign‑offable deliverable.