Temporary Fencing and Crowd Control Barriers in Dubai: A Guide for Event Organisers

Guides23 October 20267 min read

Temporary fencing and crowd control barriers in Dubai are portable, free-standing systems that mark boundaries, guide people and keep restricted areas secure for the length of an event. The right choice depends on what the fence has to do: hold back a concert crowd, form a queue, secure a site perimeter overnight or simply define a VIP lawn. This guide explains the main barrier types used at UAE events, where each one fits, and how to plan a fencing layout that is safe, fast to install and on budget.

What is temporary event fencing?

Temporary event fencing is any barrier that is delivered, installed and removed for a specific event, without permanent ground fixing. Most systems stand on weighted feet, interlock panel to panel and can be reconfigured on the day if the layout changes. In the UAE it is used for concerts, festivals, sports events, exhibitions, brand activations, government and community events, and the build and break periods either side of them.

Event fencing does two different jobs, and it helps to separate them early:

Crowd control: managing how people move, queue and gather while the event is live.
Perimeter and site security: closing off the venue, back-of-house areas and equipment, often around the clock during build-up.

What types of crowd control barriers are used at UAE events?

Each barrier type is built for a different level of crowd pressure and a different look. These are the systems Apex Events supplies across the UAE.

Police barriers

Interlocking galvanised steel barriers that form a continuous line in minutes. They are the standard choice for queues, entry lanes, pedestrian routes and general boundary lines. Flat-foot and bridge-foot versions suit different ground conditions and walkways.

Heras fence

Free-standing anti-climb mesh panels on concrete feet. Heras fencing is the fastest way to secure a site perimeter or split a large space into zones. Panels can carry shade cloth or branded infill, which turns the fence into a screen or advertising surface.

Mojo barriers (front-of-stage)

Aluminium crowd barriers engineered for the loads found at the front of a concert or festival stage. They include a built-in steward platform and come in straight, corner and gate units, so security teams can lift people out of the crowd safely. Standard police barriers are not designed for this kind of pressure.

Picket fence

White PVC picket fencing on self-supporting feet. It defines lawns, hospitality zones and activation areas with a clean, decorative finish and needs no ground fixing.

Barasti fence

Traditional palm-frond screening that adds Arabian character, shade and privacy. It is popular for desert camps, cultural events, beach venues and hiding back-of-house areas from guests.

Rope and pole

Polished stanchions with velvet rope for elegant front-of-house access control: VIP entrances, red carpet arrivals and gala dinners. It guides guests but is not a physical barrier against crowd pressure.

Which barrier should you use for each area of your event?

Most events combine several systems. A simple way to decide is to match each zone to the crowd pressure and the look it needs.

Event area	Recommended barrier	Why
Front of stage	Mojo barriers	Rated for concert crowd loads, with a steward platform
Entry queues and ticket lanes	Police barriers	Fast to set out, interlocking, easy to reconfigure
Site perimeter and build zones	Heras fence	Anti-climb, secure overnight, takes branded or shade infill
VIP lawns and hospitality	Picket fence	Decorative boundary with no ground fixing
Desert, beach and cultural events	Barasti fence	Shade, privacy and a local look
VIP entrances and red carpets	Rope and pole	Premium access control for guided guests

How do you plan a fencing and crowd control layout?

A good barrier plan starts from how people will move, not from how many panels are available. Work through these steps:

Map the site. Mark entrances, exits, emergency routes, stages, bars, toilets and back-of-house areas on a site plan.
Estimate attendance and peaks. Gate opening, headline acts and the end of the event create the highest pressure points.
Keep emergency routes clear. Barrier lines must never block exits or access for emergency vehicles, and gate units should be placed where stewards can open them quickly.
Choose the barrier per zone. Use the table above to match each area to the right system.
Measure the run lengths. Total metres per barrier type, plus corners and gates, gives your supplier what they need to quote.
Check ground conditions. Sand, grass, tarmac and indoor floors affect feet type, ballast and whether you also need ground protection or trackway.

How do UAE conditions affect temporary fencing?

UAE outdoor events bring three things to plan for: strong wind, loose sand and heat. Mesh panels carrying shade cloth or banners catch far more wind than open mesh, so they need extra ballast or bracing. On sand, feet can sink or shift, so ballast and spacing matter more than on hard ground. Galvanised steel and aluminium systems handle heat and humidity well, but crews should still plan installs for cooler hours in summer. Apex Events also supplies counterweights and water ballast to stabilise fencing and structures on exposed sites.

Do you need approval for event fencing in Dubai?

Fencing is usually reviewed as part of the overall event approval rather than on its own. Requirements depend on the emirate, the venue and the type of event, and public events typically need a site plan that shows barrier lines, exits and emergency access. Your venue or event authority will confirm what is needed. Apex Events can provide layout drawings and product details to support your application.

What is included when you hire fencing from Apex Events?

With more than 26 years of event delivery in the UAE, Apex Events handles the full process from our base in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1, Dubai:

Site visit and barrier layout planning
Supply of police barriers, Heras fence, Mojo barriers, picket, barasti and rope-and-pole systems
Delivery, installation and dismantling by our own crew
Branded or shade-cloth infill for Heras panels
On-site adjustments during build-up
Combined packages with staging, grandstand seating, flooring and site facilities

See the full range on our crowd control and fencing products page, or how we deliver it on our crowd control services page.

What information do you need for a fencing quote?

Send these details and we can price your fencing accurately:

Event name, venue and emirate
Build, event and dismantle dates
Expected attendance
Barrier types and approximate metres of each, or a site plan we can work from
Ground surface (sand, grass, hard standing or indoor)
Any branding or infill requirements

Frequently asked questions

How much does temporary fencing cost in Dubai?

The cost depends on the barrier type, total length, hire duration, location and whether installation and branding are included. Front-of-stage Mojo barriers cost more than police barriers or Heras panels because of their engineering. For an accurate price, send your dates, venue and approximate metres to Apex Events.

What is the difference between Heras fence and police barriers?

Heras fence is a tall anti-climb mesh panel used to secure perimeters and split spaces. Police barriers are lower, interlocking steel units used to guide and queue people. Heras keeps people out of an area; police barriers direct people within it.

Do concerts need special front-of-stage barriers?

Yes. Concerts and festivals with a standing crowd should use a purpose-built front-of-stage system such as Mojo barriers, which are engineered for crowd loads and include a steward platform. Standard police barriers are not designed for that pressure.

Can you install fencing on sand or at the beach?

Yes. Barriers can be installed on sand, grass and hard ground, with feet, ballast and spacing adjusted for the surface and expected wind. Barasti fencing is also a popular choice for beach and desert settings.

Do you supply temporary fencing outside Dubai?

Yes. Apex Events supplies and installs temporary fencing and crowd control barriers across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

How quickly can fencing be installed?

Installation time depends on the total length, barrier type and site access. Police barriers and Heras panels go up quickly, while front-of-stage systems take longer to set out and check. We confirm the build schedule with your quote.

Planning an event in the UAE? Request a fencing and crowd control quote or email info@apexevents.ae.