The Federal Tax Authority has launched an AI-powered tourist VAT refund platform at major airports, reducing the stated refund processing time from about nine days to one business day
DUBAI: UAE tourist VAT refunds have become significantly faster following the launch of a new artificial intelligence-powered platform that reduces the refund waiting period from approximately nine days to just one business day.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) introduced the digital service on October 20, 2026, in partnership with Planet, the authorised operator of the country’s tourist tax refund scheme. The system uses facial recognition, automated verification and paperless procedures to simplify claims for international visitors.
Which UAE airports offer the new VAT refund service?
The new platform is operational at three major international airports:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Tourists travelling through these airports can complete eligible refund requests using Planet’s mobile application without visiting a physical counter, provided their purchases do not require inspection.
The initiative supports the UAE’s efforts to improve visitor experiences and make tax-free shopping more convenient.
How can tourists claim VAT refunds in one day?
The updated UAE tourist VAT refunds system introduces a simplified digital process that begins before travellers reach the airport.
Visitors can register through the Planet Tax Free mobile application, complete facial recognition verification and upload their passport and payment card information.
At the airport, they scan a QR code displayed at designated tourist refund service points.
The AI-powered system then checks purchase records and identifies whether additional verification is necessary.
If no physical inspection is required, travellers can complete the process through the application within minutes.
However, some purchases may still require inspection before approval.
Who is eligible for a UAE tourist VAT refund?
International visitors aged 18 and above who are not UAE residents can claim refunds on qualifying purchases made through participating retailers.
The minimum eligible purchase is AED 250 before VAT.
A deduction of 13% of the VAT amount, together with an AED 3.60 charge per tax-free transaction, applies under the scheme.
Tourists must also validate their eligible purchases within 90 days of the tax invoice date and meet the relevant departure requirements.
Impact to expect
The faster refund process could make shopping in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah more attractive to international tourists. Shorter waiting periods and simplified airport procedures may improve visitor satisfaction while supporting the UAE’s retail, hospitality and tourism sectors.
Why is the UAE introducing AI-powered refunds?
The platform forms part of the UAE’s Digital Zero Bureaucracy Programme, which aims to reduce administrative procedures and improve government services.
According to the FTA, tourist satisfaction with the refund service reached 93% during the first nine months of 2026, compared with 92% during the corresponding period in 2025.
Authorities expect approximately four million refund transactions between November 2026 and October 2027.
With UAE tourist VAT refunds now processed much faster, the initiative represents another step towards a more convenient, technology-driven visitor experience.
