Exhibitors usually ask for a price per square metre. It is a reasonable question with an unhelpful answer, because two stands of the same size can differ several times over in cost. This guide gives indicative ranges so you can set a budget, then explains what moves the number.
Indicative cost per square metre in Dubai
The ranges below are indicative market figures for Dubai, taken from a published stand-builder guide in late 2026, and are shown here only to help you set a first budget. Exhibix Gulf quotes every project individually; replace these with the itemised figures in your quotation.
Stand type Indicative AED per sqm Typical lead time Shell-scheme upgrade 800 – 1,200 2 – 3 weeks Modular system stand 1,200 – 2,200 3 – 5 weeks Custom-built stand 2,200 – 4,000 6 – 10 weeks Premium island stand 4,000 – 6,500 10 – 16 weeks Double-deck stand 5,000 – 8,500+ 12 – 18 weeks
So a 36 sqm custom stand in Dubai is likely to land somewhere between AED 80,000 and AED 145,000 before organiser charges, while a modular stand of the same size might cost AED 45,000 to 80,000. These are planning figures, not quotations.
What about Riyadh and Saudi Arabia?
Saudi stands are priced on the same drivers. Expect similar per-square-metre bands in SAR, with two local differences: transport distance adds cost when elements are produced outside the city, and the largest Riyadh shows (LEAP, Cityscape Global) fill regional production capacity in the weeks before they open, so late briefs cost more. Many Riyadh stands also include majlis-style hospitality areas and large LED, which push a project into the upper bands.
The seven things that move the price
1. Stand type
A shell-scheme upgrade, a modular system stand and a fully custom build are three different cost levels. Custom gives the most presence; modular lowers the cost per show when you exhibit repeatedly.
2. Height, structure and rigging
Tall walls, double-decker floors and suspended elements need engineering, approvals and more labour. Rigging is usually charged by the venue or organiser on top of the contractor’s quote.
3. AV, LED and lighting
Large LED walls are frequently the single biggest line after the structure. Decide what content you will actually show before committing to screen size.
4. Graphics, flooring and furniture
Printed and cut graphics, raised flooring, carpet or timber finishes, and furniture are all itemised. Hospitality furniture and branded counters add up quickly on larger stands.
5. Organiser and venue charges
Power, internet, water, approvals, performance deposits and sometimes mandatory services are billed by the organiser. Ask which of these are included in the quotation.
6. Lead time
Late briefs mean overtime and fewer supplier options. Briefing as soon as your space is confirmed is the single most effective way to control cost.
7. Logistics
For Saudi shows, transport distance and crew travel matter. For international exhibitors, shipping, customs and storage between shows should be in the budget from the start.
How to get a useful quotation
Share the event, hall and stand number, dimensions and open sides, the exhibitor manual, your objectives, and a budget range. Ask for an itemised quotation with options, such as custom versus modular for the same plot. It is the fastest route to a design you like at a number you can approve.
