Exhibition stand design in Abu Dhabi

Completed FANN stand: TREVOS, Light Middle East, Dubai, 2023. Shown as a design reference, not an Abu Dhabi project.

Start with what your stand needs to do, not only how it should look. FANN develops exhibition stand design and build proposals for Abu Dhabi exhibitors, with a Dubai office and an in-house joinery workshop in Umm Al Quwain. Your show, stand allocation, products and opening date shape the design and agreed build scope.

Share your stand design brief

Choose the layout around your visitor journey

A product-led stand needs clear sightlines and room for demonstrations. A meeting-led stand needs conversation space without blocking the entrance. A mixed stand must balance both. Send the products, display dimensions, expected activities and meeting needs so the layout can be developed around them.

  • Arrival: decide what visitors should understand from the aisle before entering.
  • Demonstration: allow space for the actual product, staff and visitors. Record any power, water, data or ventilation needs.
  • Meetings: choose open conversation points or more private seating according to the brief.
  • Storage and reception: include these in the floor plan rather than leaving them until the final design.

Corner, island or one open side?

The organiser allocation determines the available open sides and neighbouring stands. A corner can offer two approach routes; an island needs a coherent view from several directions. A stand with one open side needs a clear entry and a layout that does not hide the main offer behind reception or storage. These are design choices, not promises of higher footfall or more leads.

From concept to an agreed build scope

A 3D concept communicates the layout and appearance. It is not a structural approval, a material specification or a production instruction on its own. Before fabrication, agree drawings, dimensions, materials, finishes, graphics and the responsibilities for services, submissions and site access. Design-only and design-and-build briefs should say which deliverables are required.

  • Brief: show, venue, hall, stand dimensions, open sides, brand assets and visitor objectives.
  • Concept: review circulation, product displays, meeting areas, storage and brand visibility together.
  • Scope: identify design work, fabrication, graphics, transport, installation and any dismantling separately.
  • Release: agree the design and production information before committing to materials or site works.

Planning for ADNEC or another Abu Dhabi venue

Send the current show exhibitor manual and your allocated hall or floor plan. Confirm the organiser submission dates, build-up access and the services ordered through the venue. Complex structures and specialist services can need separate review or approved providers. The requirements depend on your actual show and design; a prior event manual is not a universal deadline. FANN is independent, not the organiser or an appointed ADNEC official contractor.

Compare a design proposal before choosing a contractor

Compare like for like: drawing deliverables, materials and finish samples, graphics, utilities, approval responsibilities, installation access and exclusions. A lower headline price may cover a different scope. Ask who owns each submission and which changes need a revised quote. No standard price, approval outcome or fixed production duration is assumed here.

Completed stands to inform your design brief

These are completed Dubai stands from FANN's portfolio, used as design references for an Abu Dhabi brief. They do not establish an Abu Dhabi venue appointment, a material grade, structural capacity or measured sales result.

Turn the design brief into a scoped proposal

Share the show, dimensions, open sides, products and deadlines. Add your floor plan if available.

Share your stand design brief

Frequently asked questions

What does an exhibition stand design brief need?

Send the show and venue, allocated stand dimensions and open sides, floor plan, brand assets, product sizes, demonstration and meeting needs, storage requirements and your submission and opening dates. Add the current exhibitor manual if you have it.

Can I ask for design without assuming a full turnkey build?

State whether your brief is for design deliverables or design and build. The proposal should list the drawings, visuals and any production, transport, installation or dismantling being quoted. Do not assume every item is included.

How do I choose between a product-led and meeting-led stand?

Prioritise the activity visitors need to complete. Product demonstrations need suitable display and circulation space; meetings need seating and the right level of privacy. A mixed brief should identify the priority when space is limited.

Does a 3D design mean the stand is approved for ADNEC?

No. A concept visual is not an organiser or structural approval. Review the current show manual, the actual design and any required technical submissions with the responsible parties before production and installation.

Where are the office and workshop?

FANN's office is in Dubai and its in-house joinery workshop is in Umm Al Quwain. Abu Dhabi exhibition work is planned around the specific show, design and agreed site scope.

How much does exhibition stand design and build cost?

There is no single price for every stand. Dimensions, layout, materials, graphics, specialist services, venue requirements, installation and the scope being quoted affect the total. Send your allocation and brief for an itemised proposal.

Can the design be changed after it is agreed?

Ask before changing the approved design. Materials, graphics, submissions or production may already be committed. Confirm any change in scope, cost and schedule before work continues.

Continue planning your exhibition stand

Venue planning source

ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi organiser handbook Venue-published background source checked 9 October 2026. This PDF is labelled 2020 and contains older handbook text; it is not the current show exhibitor manual. Confirm the current requirements with your organiser before relying on a rule.