Exhibition logistics from crate to stand and back

The venues

• Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) hosted 401 events in 2025 with 2.97 million attendees.

  Source: mediaoffice.ae (opens in a new tab)

• Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai is expanding from about 58,000 m² to about 140,000 m² in its first phase (2026). GITEX Global, WHX and Automechanika are among the shows moving there.

  Source: wam.ae (opens in a new tab)

• Shows at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi clear through Abu Dhabi Customs, not Dubai Customs.

Typical timeline

• Pre-alerts: about 10 working days before arrival for sea freight, 5 for air, and before departure for road
• Cargo due at Jebel Ali, DXB or the land border about 12–16 days before the show opens
• Move-in during the tenancy dates set by the organizer
• Return instructions submitted before the show closes
• Re-export about 10–15 days after break-down

Source: iaom-mea.com (opens in a new tab)

Packing and case marks

• Use bolted, reusable cases rather than cartons, so exhibits can be repacked for the return
• Mark each case with the exhibitor name, stand number, 'case X of Y', gross and net weight and dimensions
• The site yard is uncovered: protect cases from sun and rain
• Insurance is the exhibitor's responsibility

Source: iaom-mea.com (opens in a new tab)

Customs for exhibits

ATA Carnet or temporary admission?

ATA Carnets in the UAE

• The UAE has accepted ATA Carnets since 1 April 2011, the first GCC country to do so. Dubai Chambers issues and guarantees them.

  Source: iccwbo.org (opens in a new tab)

• In 2024, 5,357 carnets were issued and received in Dubai, covering goods worth AED 4.3 billion.

  Source: mediaoffice.ae (opens in a new tab)

• Issuing fees run from about AED 900 to AED 2,300, depending on membership and speed, plus a security deposit based on the goods' value and the destination's duty rates. Processing takes one to two working days, and a carnet is valid for up to one year.

  Source: dubaichambers.com (opens in a new tab)

• Dubai has carnet centres at Dubai Cargo Village, Jebel Ali, DXB and DWC. Partial shipments are not accepted on a carnet.

  Source: trade.gov (opens in a new tab)

• Carnet goods must be re-exported within six months of entry.

Temporary admission without a carnet

• Goods enter on a temporary admission declaration backed by a cash or bank guarantee for the duty (5% of CIF value), plus a VAT deposit.

  Source: trade.gov (opens in a new tab)

• Serial numbers should be engraved on the items and listed on the invoice; otherwise duty and VAT may be charged as final and non-refundable.

• Deposits are refunded after proof of re-export, which can take four to six months.

• The standard temporary admission period is six months, which can be extended to one year in total. Check the period on each declaration.

  Source: trade.gov (opens in a new tab)

What does not qualify

• Giveaways, brochures, printed matter and food samples pay duty as final imports and need a real CIF value; 'No Commercial Value' is not accepted
• Goods sold or left behind after the show must be converted to a permanent import, with duty and VAT paid
• Alcohol is prohibited; wireless equipment needs TDRA approval; food needs attested health certificates

Hand-carried exhibits

Visitors carrying exhibits pay 5% of CIF value at entry and need the original invoice, certificate of origin, packing list and the organizer's letter.

Source: dubaicustoms.gov.ae (opens in a new tab)