WHX 2026: Medical Imaging Demo Compliance Checklist

WHX 2026: Medical Imaging Demo Compliance Checklist

February 2, 2026

WHX 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) and the DWTC Labs represents the highest-stakes cycle for exhibitors. For teams running imaging demonstrations, medical imaging exhibition compliance Dubai is the operational linchpin: WHX runs 9–12 February 2026 at DEC while WHX Labs (MedLab track) runs 10–13 February at DWTC, creating a combined mega-cycle with concentrated technical demand.

Why WHX 2026 Is High‑Risk For Imaging Equipment Demos — medical imaging exhibition compliance Dubai

Three factors make WHX 2026 uniquely high-risk for large imaging demos:

  • Scale: Organisers project ~4,300–4,800+ exhibitors and ~235,000+ professional visits — peak marshalling congestion and inspection bottlenecks.
  • Venue split and move to DEC: The show moves major activity to the DEC while WHX Labs continues at DWTC (10–13 Feb). This split-site model forces many exhibitors to interface with two marshalling areas and different technical rules, increasing handover points and delays.
  • Concentrated technical demand: Heavy imaging machines require specialised customs, power, floor protection and crane windows; teams that don’t plan for marshalling slots and split-site transfers risk multi-hour on-site delays.

Critical Technical & Regulatory Requirements Exhibitors Must Nail — medical imaging exhibition compliance Dubai

Exhibitors must treat compliance as a project. Key items and timing:

Dates & deadlines

  • Event: 9–12 Feb 2026 at DEC; WHX Labs: 10–13 Feb at DWTC.
  • RAMS/shop drawings: Typically due 3–6 weeks before build-up (submit in English as venue requires).

Customs & device import

  • Temporary import via MOHAP permits or an ATA Carnet with serial-number matching for each demo device — mismatches cause customs holds and MOHAP refusals.

Venue structural & fire rules

  • DEC/DWTC hall floor loading: typically ~1,500–2,000 kg/m² with higher-rated zones by prior approval.
  • Point‑loads (machine feet/tyres) must be spread with engineered spreader plates and venue sign-off.
  • Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) requires fire‑rating certificates for booth finishes; powered demos may need segregation or suppression.

Power, heavy lift & hazardous items

  • Order three‑phase/24‑hour IEC power through the venue; connectors and phased supply must be specified. Late power orders are often subject to 20–50% surcharges or availability limits.
  • Heavy‑lift/crane windows are limited and must be pre‑booked — plan early and reserve slots for transfer between DEC and DWTC if required.
  • Declare hazardous items and submit the relevant SDS, hazardous‑item declarations and transport paperwork within venue timelines.

The Five Most Common Failures (and Their Real Costs) — medical imaging exhibition compliance Dubai

  1. Customs / MOHAP holds: ATA Carnet serial mismatches or missing temporary‑import documents. Consequence: machine detention and missed demos; remediation often requires customs agents and can cost last‑minute premiums of 10–30%.
  2. Incorrect power/inrush: Wrong phase, connector or failure to manage inrush current trips breakers. Consequence: demo downtime and emergency electricians; expect overtime premiums and tiered venue surcharges.
  3. Un‑approved point loads: Machines placed on standard flooring without an engineered spreader plate cause urgent structural fixes. Emergency spreader plate engineering and install can add significant labour and third‑party fees.
  4. Missed heavy‑lift windows: Crane re‑booking or emergency lifts attract third‑party premiums. Market data shows last‑minute heavy‑lift rates often carry 10–30%+ premiums over contracted rates.
  5. Late technical orders & venue surcharges: Late RAMS or power orders can trigger 20–50% venue surcharges; overtime and performance‑bond deductions are common for delayed sign‑offs.

Burdak’s Factory‑First Fix: In‑House Fabrication, CNC Joinery & Mock‑Up Guarantees — medical imaging exhibition compliance Dubai

We eliminate last‑mile risk by moving critical work into our factory. Core services we deliver:

  • Pre‑engineered spreader plates & reinforced plinths: We design and manufacture plates (CNC, steel/structural grade) sized to device feet, with structural calculations and engineer’s stamp for venue sign‑off.
  • Inrush/current sequencing tests: Full electrical commissioning and sequencing tests in our facility to validate start‑up currents and specify soft‑start or sequencer hardware prior to site.
  • DWG/shop & RAMS packages: We compile DWG/shop drawings, structural calcs, RAMS PDFs and fire test certificates ready for DEC/DWTC submission.
  • Full‑scale pre‑assembly mock‑ups: Factory mock‑ups reduce site build time by 40–60%, reduce customs inspection failures and speed organiser sign‑offs.
  • Sequenced, labelled deliveries: We manage crate sequencing to match marshalling slots so machines arrive exactly when required — reducing on‑site labour and third‑party overtime.

Measured benefits: fewer on‑site hours, reduced emergency third‑party premiums, and faster DCD/venue approvals thanks to engineer‑stamped packs and verified mock‑ups.

8‑Week Pre‑Show Checklist & Timeline (Actionable) — medical imaging exhibition compliance Dubai

Below is a week‑by‑week actionable timeline to hit WHX 2026 deadlines.

  • Week 8: Finalise BOQ and material passport. Start MOHAP / ATA Carnet checks; collect serial numbers for devices.
  • Week 7: Commission structural calcs for spreader plates and plinths. Begin RAMS drafting.
  • Week 6: Submit RAMS and shop/DWG drawings if possible (target 3–6 weeks prior).
  • Week 5: Order venue power (three‑phase/24‑hour IEC) and reserve heavy‑lift/crane windows. Book marshalling slots and crate sequencing.
  • Week 4: Factory mock‑up and CNC joinery pre‑assembly. Perform inrush/current sequencing tests and adjust hardware as necessary.
  • Week 3: Compile final submission pack: DWG/shop files, RAMS PDF, fire test certificates, engineer’s stamp (structural calcs), SDS and ATA/MOHAP docs.
  • Week 2: Confirm crate labels, courier bookings, and marshalling delivery slots. Reconfirm heavy‑lift and electrical arrival windows.
  • Week 1–0: Deliver staged crates per marshalling schedule; on‑site assembly teams use factory labels and documented sequencing to minimise time in the hall. Perform final DCD / venue sign‑offs.

File types and deliverables to prepare: DWG/shop drawings (layout & structural), RAMS PDF, fire test certificates PDF, engineer’s stamp (signed PDF), SDS sheets, ATA Carnet pages or MOHAP permits.

FAQ — medical imaging exhibition compliance Dubai

Q: When must RAMS and shop drawings be submitted?

A: RAMS and engineered shop/DWG drawings are typically required 3–6 weeks before build‑up. Submit earlier where possible to avoid review delays.

Q: Do I need an ATA Carnet or MOHAP paperwork?

A: Yes. For demo medical devices you need temporary‑import documentation. An ATA Carnet with serial‑number matching or MOHAP temporary import permits are mandatory to avoid customs holds.

Q: What are the risks of ordering power late?

A: Late power or last‑minute changes can lead to 20–50% surcharges, limited availability, and potential impact on demo operation due to incorrect connectors or inrush issues.

Q: How does Burdak reduce on‑site risk?

A: We pre‑engineer spreader plates, perform factory inrush tests, deliver full‑scale mock‑ups and provide DWG/RAMS packs so venues and DCD sign off earlier and on‑site hours are reduced.

For WHX 2026, treat compliance as a technical project. We help customers control risk with factory‑first engineering, mock‑ups and sequenced delivery that convert the complicated WHX logistics into a reliable, signable plan.

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