Turn the organiser’s standard shell into a branded booth: full-height graphics, fascia, furniture, lighting and counters — designed in 3D, printed in-house and installed to the exhibitor manual.
Page reviewed November 2026 by the Orange Fairs project team
The basics
A shell scheme booth is a pre-built stand structure supplied by the exhibition organiser. You will also see it called an exhibition shell scheme, a shell scheme stand or a shell scheme stall — they all describe the same thing. You are allocated a numbered space within a row of identical booths, and the organiser erects the shell: the dividing walls, a name board across the front, and floor covering. What you do inside and across those walls is what separates one booth from the twenty others in the same aisle.
The alternative is space only, sometimes called raw space. There you receive bare floor and nothing else, and everything above it has to be designed, fabricated, transported and installed. Shell scheme removes that work and most of that cost. It also removes most of the freedom, which is why branding, graphics and fit-out matter so much more on a shell scheme stand.
Organiser supplies the structure. You brand and fit out the inside. Lower cost, faster, fixed footprint and height.
Bare floor. Everything is designed and built from scratch. Full freedom, higher cost, longer lead time, structural approval required.
One thing to check before you plan anything: shell scheme packages are not standardised across the industry. What the organiser includes — fascia wording, floor covering, lighting allocation, power sockets, furniture — varies by exhibition and sometimes by hall within the same venue. Always work from your own event’s exhibitor manual rather than from a general description, including this one. We check yours as part of the quote for every shell scheme Dubai and Abu Dhabi project we take on.
What we offer
As one of the go-to exhibition booth suppliers in Dubai for turnkey solutions, we provide multiple booth configurations to match different exhibition spaces, branding requirements, and budgets. From compact inline booths to premium custom branded stands, our modular solutions help businesses create professional exhibition environments that attract visitors and increase brand visibility.
01Open on two sides, corner shell scheme stands provide higher visibility and better visitor access compared to inline booths. Ideal for businesses looking for more exposure without increasing booth size significantly.
02We offer shell scheme booths in all standard sizes including 3x3m, 3x4m, and 3x6m with flexible configurations. Whether you need a compact booth or larger modular space, we deliver solutions tailored to your exhibition goals and budget.
03Custom branded shell scheme stands include printed graphics, enhanced lighting, and display elements that create a strong visual impact. Ideal for product launches and companies wanting a premium exhibition presence.
04Octanorm shell scheme systems are premium modular stands built using high-quality components providing superior strength, flexibility, and a clean professional finish.
05A budget-friendly shell scheme booth solution including aluminum framework, panels, fascia board, lighting, carpet, and power supply. Ideal for companies seeking a clean and professional setup at an affordable cost.
Pricing
Indicative starting prices below. Final cost depends on booth size, branding graphics, furniture and any additional display features — contact us for a customised quote.
| Booth Type | Size | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Shell Scheme | 3m x 3m | AED 650 |
| Corner Shell Scheme | 3m x 3m | AED 1,100 |
| Branded Shell Scheme | 3m x 6m | AED 2,200 |
Sizes and dimensions
Choosing the right shell scheme booth size depends on your exhibition layout, budget and display needs. We provide shell scheme exhibition booths in multiple standard sizes suitable for different trade show spaces across Dubai and the UAE.
Compact booth ideal for small exhibition spaces and startup exhibitors.
The standard shell scheme booth size (also listed as a shell scheme booth 3x3) — the most common booth size used at trade shows and exhibitions.
Corner booths offer higher visibility and allow access from two sides.
Suitable for product displays, meetings and larger branding setups.
Custom shell scheme booths designed according to your exhibition floor plan.
What is included
This is the single most common source of confusion for first-time exhibitors, and the reason stands arrive looking unfinished. The split below is the usual pattern at UAE exhibitions. Your exhibitor manual is the authority for your specific show.
| Element | Typically from the organiser | What Orange Fairs adds |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | Plain white or grey panel system | Full-height printed graphics across the panel run |
| Fascia | Name board with your company name in standard text | Branded fascia panel where the organiser permits it |
| Flooring | Carpet in a set colour, where included | Alternative floor finish or a raised platform if rules allow |
| Lighting | A small fixed allocation, usually aimed downward | Additional or repositioned fittings to light the graphics |
| Power | A socket allocation, charged by consumption | Layout planning so sockets sit where your equipment does |
| Furniture | Rarely included; sometimes a table and two chairs | Reception counter, seating, display units, literature rack |
| Storage | Not included | Lockable cupboard built into a corner of the booth |
| Installation | Shell erected before you arrive | Graphics and fit-out installed in the build window by our crew |
Branding and graphics
A shell scheme booth gives you roughly three metres of wall and a name board. Used properly that is enough; used badly it reads as a temporary partition with a logo taped to it. Most of the difference comes down to four decisions.
A shell scheme back wall is three or more separate panels. Printing across them as a single image, rather than treating each as its own poster, is the largest visual upgrade available and costs nothing extra in print.
Fascia boards have a character limit and are read at distance and at speed. What you do is often more useful there than your registered company name. Branded fascia panels are possible at many shows, subject to the organiser’s rules.
Visitors read your wall while walking past at two metres. Message hierarchy, contrast and type size matter more than detail. Product specification belongs on literature, not on the back wall.
How graphics attach to the panels is set by the organiser, not by us. Some venues allow only specific systems, and some prohibit adhesives, drilling or anything applied to the fascia. We confirm the permitted method for your show before production.
For how we approach layout, graphics and the 3D concept stage, see shell scheme booth design. Graphics are produced in our own print facility, which is why artwork changes late in the schedule are usually absorbable rather than fatal. We work from print-ready files where you have them and prepare artwork from your brand assets where you do not — including the front panel of a shell scheme counter, which is read at closer range than the wall and usually needs its own treatment.
Compare options
Neither is better. They answer different questions, and the useful test is how many shows you will exhibit at and what the stand has to achieve.
Exhibiting three or more times a year and neither answer fits well? A reusable system sits between them — see modular exhibition stands and Maxima stand design. For fully bespoke builds, see custom built exhibition stands.
| Shell scheme | Custom built | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Supplied by the organiser | Designed and fabricated for your plot |
| Cost | Lowest entry point | Highest, quoted per project |
| Lead time | Shortest | Longest — design, approval, fabrication |
| Design freedom | Within the panel system | Unrestricted within venue rules |
| Height | Fixed by the shell | To the venue limit, including double-decker |
| Organiser approval | Usually minimal | Structural drawings and method statement |
| Best for | First appearance, smaller footprint, tight timeline | Large or unusual plots, stand as the message |
Key benefits
Shell scheme exhibition booths are one of the most popular solutions for businesses participating in trade shows and exhibitions. They provide a professional exhibition setup while remaining flexible, affordable, and easy to customise according to brand requirements.
Shell scheme booths offer a professional exhibition presence at a lower cost compared to fully custom stands.
Modular structures allow fast setup and dismantling, helping exhibitors save valuable preparation time.
Available in multiple booth sizes such as 3x3m, 3x4m, and 3x6m to suit different exhibition layouts.
Printed graphics, branded panels, and display elements can easily transform the booth to reflect your brand identity.
Provides a clean, organised and professional appearance that attracts visitors and builds trust.
Ideal for trade fairs, corporate exhibitions, product launches and international expos.
How it works
As an experienced shell scheme exhibition stand contractor in Dubai, we follow a structured and professional approach to ensure your booth is delivered on time, within budget, and designed to create maximum impact at your exhibition.
We understand your exhibition goals, branding requirements, and space layout to create a customized booth design with 3D visualization and layout planning.
Our in-house team produces high-quality graphics, structures, and display elements using premium materials to ensure a professional exhibition appearance.
We manage logistics, transportation, and on-site installation at the exhibition venue, ensuring everything is completed before the event starts.
Once installation is complete, we provide final inspection and support to ensure your booth is ready to attract visitors and generate business opportunities.
Where we work
Shell scheme rental Dubai is our home market, and we deliver shell scheme booth rental and design across the rest of the UAE too, with on-site installation and dismantling handled by our own team.
Dubai
Our home market — full shell scheme rental and design at Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai, with our own workshop handling production and on-site installation.
Abu Dhabi
Full shell scheme booth rental and design in Abu Dhabi, including at ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre). Same pricing, booth sizes and inclusions as our Dubai service.
Sharjah
Shell scheme booth rental and design across Sharjah, including at Sharjah Expo Centre, with delivery, installation and dismantling handled by our team.
Ajman
We extend our shell scheme rental service to exhibitors and events in Ajman, with the same booth options and support as our Dubai and Abu Dhabi service.
Al Ain
Shell scheme booth rental is also available for exhibitors and events in Al Ain, with our team coordinating logistics and on-site delivery.
Fujairah
We provide shell scheme booth rental for exhibitors and events in Fujairah, with the same design and installation standard as our other UAE locations.
Why Orange Fairs
With more than 20+ years of exhibition industry experience, Orange Fairs is one of the trusted shell scheme exhibition stand suppliers in Dubai and across the UAE. Our team has successfully delivered over 1,000+ exhibition stands for trade shows, corporate events and international expos at venues including DWTC, ADNEC, and Expo City Dubai.
We use only high-quality materials for every stand we build. Our frames, panels, and fittings are strong, durable, and built to last — giving your exhibition space a clean and professional finish every time.
We take care of everything from start to finish. Our team handles the full setup and dismantling of your stand quickly and smoothly, so you can focus on your business without any stress or hassle.
We believe outstanding exhibition stands should be accessible to every business. Our pricing is straightforward and competitive, delivering exceptional quality and service that gives you real value for your investment.
We understand that time matters at exhibitions. Our team works quickly to deliver and install your stand on time, every time — making sure you are fully ready before your event begins.
We maintain a large in-house stock of shell scheme components, panels, and fittings. This means faster turnaround times, no waiting on suppliers, and a reliable service you can always count on.
Our experienced installation team knows exactly how to build the perfect exhibition stand. With years of hands-on experience, they work with care and precision to deliver a stand that looks great and performs well.
Orange Fairs proudly serves clients across the UAE. Whether your event is in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere else in the country, our team is ready to deliver and set up your stand wherever you need us.
Make your stand truly yours. We offer full custom branding solutions including printed panels, fascia boards, signage, and graphics — all designed to showcase your brand identity and make a lasting impression on every visitor.
Client feedback
Trusted by businesses across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE for premium shell scheme exhibition solutions.
Free 3D design
Get a customised shell scheme stand design with complete setup, branding, and installation support anywhere in Dubai or the UAE. Trusted by businesses across major exhibitions at DWTC, ADNEC, Expo City Dubai and Sharjah Expo Centre.
FAQs
A shell scheme booth is a modular exhibition stand structure commonly used at trade shows and exhibitions. It typically includes aluminium framework, wall panels, lighting, carpeting, and a fascia board displaying your company name. Exhibition contractors like Orange Fairs customise shell scheme booths with branded graphics, display elements, and furniture to create a professional exhibition presence.
Shell scheme booth rental in Dubai starts from approximately AED 650 for a standard 3×3m setup. Pricing varies based on booth size, branding graphics, furniture, and additional display features. A corner 3×3m booth starts from AED 1,100, while a branded 3×6m stand starts from AED 2,200. Contact Orange Fairs for a customised quote based on your exhibition requirements.
Shell scheme booths are ideal for businesses that need a cost-effective and professional exhibition setup. They are commonly chosen by startups, SMEs, and first-time exhibitors participating in trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate events where quick installation and flexible booth layouts are required.
Yes, shell scheme booths can be customised with printed graphics, branding panels, LED lighting, display counters, shelving, and promotional elements. Orange Fairs helps transform standard shell scheme stands into visually attractive branded exhibition booths that represent your company identity.
A standard shell scheme booth rental usually includes aluminium structure panels, carpeting, lighting, fascia name board, and electrical power supply. Additional upgrades such as branding graphics, furniture, shelves, display counters, and LED screens can be added depending on your exhibition requirements.
Orange Fairs provides shell scheme exhibition booth rental services across all major UAE exhibition venues including Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), ADNEC Abu Dhabi, Expo City Dubai, and Sharjah Expo Centre. Our team handles booth design, production, installation, and dismantling at all these venues.
Shell scheme booths use modular aluminium frames and panels that allow quick installation and cost-effective exhibition setups. Custom exhibition stands, on the other hand, are fully designed structures built from scratch with unique layouts, creative branding elements, and advanced display features for a larger visual impact.
It is recommended to book your shell scheme booth at least 4 to 6 weeks before the exhibition. This allows sufficient time for booth design, graphic production, planning, logistics coordination, and smooth installation before the event begins.
When selecting a shell scheme booth supplier, choose a company with strong experience in exhibition stand construction, design capabilities, reliable installation services, and dedicated client support. An experienced exhibition contractor like Orange Fairs ensures smooth booth delivery and professional event execution.
Yes, shell scheme booths are ideal for international exhibitors because local exhibition contractors handle booth production, installation, and dismantling at the venue. This makes it easier for overseas companies to participate in exhibitions in Dubai and the UAE without complex logistics.
Shell scheme booth design covers the layout, branding, and visual elements applied to the modular structure, including fascia board text, printed wall panels, lighting choices, flooring, and any furniture or display counters. Orange Fairs provides free 3D booth design so you can review the layout and branding before production begins.
Yes, Orange Fairs provides full shell scheme booth rental and design services in Abu Dhabi, including at ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre). Pricing, booth sizes and inclusions are the same as our Dubai service, with our team handling delivery, installation and dismantling on-site at the venue.
The standard shell scheme booth size is 3x3m (also written as a 3x3 shell scheme booth or shell scheme booth 3x3), which is the most commonly booked size at trade shows and exhibitions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Larger shell scheme booth sizes such as 3x4m corner booths and 3x6m stands are also available depending on your space and budget.
Shell scheme means the organiser supplies the stand structure - dividing walls, a fascia name board and floor covering - and you brand and fit out the inside. Space only means you receive bare floor and everything above it has to be designed, fabricated and installed from scratch, with structural drawings submitted for approval. Shell scheme is faster and cheaper; space only gives complete freedom.
Yes. Wall panels can carry full-height printed graphics, and branded fascia panels are possible at many shows. The permitted fixing method is set by the organiser rather than by us, and some venues restrict adhesives, drilling or anything applied to the fascia, so we confirm the rules for your specific exhibition before production.
Yes. A branded shell scheme counter with lockable storage underneath is the single most requested addition, and we also supply seating, display plinths and cabinets, shelving, literature racks and screen mounting. Shell scheme packages rarely include much beyond the structure itself, so counters and furniture are normally specified separately.
Yes. The organiser provides a fixed lighting allocation, usually aimed downward at the floor. We add or reposition fittings so the light falls on your graphics, and can build lighting into counters and display units. Bear in mind that organiser electrical orders usually close before build-up, with surcharges after that, so total power draw is worth deciding early.
Yes, and this is one of the most common requests. If the organiser has already allocated you a basic shell, we can add graphics, branded fascia, lighting, a counter, display units and storage within that structure. You keep the organiser's shell and the cost advantage while the booth stops looking like a standard partition.
Yes. Our own crew installs at the venue during the organiser's build-up window. We build regularly at Dubai World Trade Centre, ADNEC Abu Dhabi, Expo City Dubai and Expo Centre Sharjah, so we work to each venue's access times and material handling rules rather than discovering them on the day.
No. You can book a single booth. A standard 3 × 3 m shell scheme booth starts from AED 650, and larger or corner booths are quoted to size.
Explore more
From the blog
Guides written by the team that builds the stands.
GuideWhat is a shell scheme booth?Read articleGuideTypes of shell scheme booths for GITEXRead article
Guide7 shell scheme booth design mistakesRead articleGuideHow a corner shell scheme stand worksRead articleGuideCustomising an Octanorm shell scheme boothRead articleGuideChoosing a shell scheme contractor in DubaiRead articleFree 3D design
Send the show, venue and stand size. We reply with a 3D concept and an itemised quote.
