The UAE has dramatically reduced the time tourists wait for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds from approximately nine days to just one business day, as the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) rolls out a new AI-powered digital platform designed to make tax-free shopping faster and more seamless. The fully digital, paperless system, developed in partnership with Planet, the authorised operator of the UAE's VAT Refund Scheme for Tourists, is now operational at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Sharjah International Airport. The platform integrates AI-powered facial recognition, digital verification and automated data processing through Planet's enhanced mobile application, eliminating paperwork and simplifying the refund process for international visitors.
The launch marks another step in the UAE's push to position itself among the world's fastest destinations for tourist tax refunds while strengthening its appeal as a global shopping and tourism hub. The initiative forms part of the country's Digital Zero Bureaucracy Programme and wider artificial intelligence strategy, aimed at simplifying government services through technology and greater integration between public and private-sector partners.
The platform was officially launched at events held at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport and Dubai International Airport, attended by senior government and aviation officials, including Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai; Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority; Sultan Al Dhaheri, Senior Vice President – Operations at Abu Dhabi Airports; and Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports.
Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority, said the introduction of the AI-powered platform represents a significant advancement in the tourist tax refund journey, particularly at the final stage of visitors' travel experience. He highlighted that the initiative reflects the UAE's focus on customer-centric government services, digital integration and reducing administrative procedures while reinforcing the country's competitiveness as a tourism and shopping destination. He added that, as of October 2026, the time required for tourists to receive VAT refunds on purchases has been reduced to one business day, compared with approximately nine days previously, placing the UAE among the fastest countries globally for tourist tax refunds.
The latest development builds on the FTA's earlier digitalisation efforts, including the introduction of a fully digital tourist VAT refund system and a VAT refund facility for eligible e-commerce purchases made by tourists during their stay in the UAE. Together, these initiatives are intended to simplify tax-free shopping, enhance visitor convenience and strengthen the UAE's position as a leading destination for international travellers.
