Running an outdoor event in Dubai summer is an exercise in planning for extremes. I've seen foam board signs warp into curves within hours. Adhesive fail on vinyl by noon. Ink fade noticeably during a single day event.
But outdoor events happen year-round in Dubai - sports events, concerts, festivals, corporate functions. Here's how to prepare materials that survive.
Essential Outdoor Event Materials
Entrance Signage
First impression for attendees - needs to be visible and impressive.
Options:
- Fabric tension displays (portable, reusable)
- Custom entrance arch (branded)
- Free-standing letter signs
- LED-lit signs (evening events)
Material: Fabric on aluminum frame, or vinyl on rigid structure
Price: contact us for pricing+ depending on size and complexity
Directional Signage
Guide attendees to stages, vendors, facilities, exits.
Material: Coroplast (budget) or vinyl on aluminum (durable)
Mounting: Stakes, A-frames, posts
Price: contact us for pricing per sign
Stage Backdrops
Branded background for stages, media walls, photo opportunities.
Options:
- Fabric backdrop on frame - No glare, good photos
- Vinyl banner - More affordable
- Step and repeat - Sponsor logos
Price: contact us for pricing depending on size
Banners & Flags
Brand visibility and atmosphere throughout the venue.
Types:
- Feather flags - 2.5m-5m tall, withstand wind
- Teardrop flags - Stable shape in wind
- Mesh banners - Wind-through for large spans
- Hanging banners - Fabric or vinyl
Price: contact us for pricing each
Heat-Resistant Considerations
Materials to Use
- Mesh vinyl - Wind-through, doesn't trap heat
- Fabric (polyester) - Handles heat well, no glare
- Aluminum composite - Won't warp in heat
- Coroplast - OK for 1-2 day events
Materials to Avoid
- Foam board - Warps in heat within hours
- Standard paper - Destroyed by humidity
- Cheap adhesive vinyl - Peels in heat
- Non-UV inks - Fade rapidly
Vendor & Sponsor Displays
Pop-Up Tents with Branding
Branded canopies for vendors, sponsors, registration.
Size: 3m - 3m most common
Branding options:
- Full print canopy (all-over design)
- Valance print (edge band only)
- Back wall + side panels
Price: contact us for pricing per tent (branded)
Table Displays
For registration, vendor tables, information points.
- Branded tablecloths (fabric)
- Table-top rollups
- Counter displays
- Brochure stands
Price: contact us for pricing per table setup
Attendee Materials
Wristbands
Access control and branding combined.
Lanyards & Badges
For staff, VIP, media, backstage access.
Lanyard options: Polyester (standard), satin (premium), recycled
Badge options: PVC card, paper in holder
Price: contact us for pricing per set
Programs & Maps
Event schedules, venue maps, information.
Material: Synthetic paper (waterproof) or laminated
Format: A5 or DL folded
Price: contact us for pricing each
Installation Logistics
Timeline
- 4 weeks before: Finalize designs, place orders
- 2 weeks before: Receive and check all materials
- 1 week before: Final installations where possible
- Day before: Complete setup
- Event day: Touch-ups only
Setup Crew Needs
- Adequate manpower for large installations
- Ladders, tools, cable ties, weights
- Early morning or evening setup (avoid midday heat)
- Water and shade for crew
- Backup materials for replacements
Weather Contingencies
Dubai outdoor events face:
- Extreme heat - Materials warp, people struggle
- Wind - Especially during shamal season
- Occasional rain - Usually brief but intense
- Dust/sand - During wind events
Preparations
- Weight bags for all free-standing items
- Mesh materials for windy locations
- Waterproof options for critical signage
- Covers/tarps for equipment during setup
- Backup copies of critical materials
Budget Planning
Outdoor Event Signage Checklist
- Entrance signage
- Directional signs (parking, facilities, stages)
- Stage backdrop / media wall
- Sponsor displays
- Vendor signage
- Attendee wristbands
- Staff/VIP badges & lanyards
- Programs / maps
- Safety signage (exits, first aid)
- Barrier covers / crowd control branding
- Flags / banners for atmosphere
- Photo opportunity backdrops
- Wayfinding for key points
Post-Event
- Collect reusable items - Frames, hardware, quality banners
- Document damage - For future planning
- Store properly - Clean, dry, protected from light
- Note improvements - What worked, what didn't
Why work with us?
We're a Dubai-based team that's been handling projects like this for years. We know the local market, we know what materials hold up in this climate, and we know how to deliver on tight deadlines.
Most of our clients come back for repeat orders - that tells you something. Drop us a message with what you need, and we'll get back to you within a few hours.
Planning an Outdoor Event?
From small corporate functions to large festivals. Materials that survive Dubai conditions.
Get Your Quote+971 56 978 6395
