UAE tourist VAT refunds cut to one business day with new AI platform

Tourists visiting the UAE can now obtain their Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds within a single business day, significantly faster than the previous nine-day average. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) introduced an AI-powered platform that streamlines the refund process through a mobile application. This new system is operational at Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport.

Eligible tourists can complete the entire refund process using the app, which combines digital registration, facial recognition, and automated verification of purchase and travel information. Visitors with non-inspection required purchases can finalize their refund request without in-person verification. Developed in collaboration with Planet, the authorized operator of the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme, the platform combines efficiency with enhanced security measures.

The process begins with downloading Planet's mobile application, where tourists register by scanning their face and saving images of their passport and bank card. Upon departure, tourists scan a dynamic QR code displayed at tourist tax refund service points, initiating the refund process through the app. The system checks transactions and determines if any purchases require inspection.

If no inspection is necessary, the refund request can be completed directly through the app, allowing tourists to receive their refund within one business day.

For transactions requiring inspection, tourists are directed to Planet’s smart gates, which use AI-powered facial recognition for identity verification. The gates then open and guide tourists to designated self-service kiosks, eliminating the need for conventional identification procedures. The FTA emphasizes that the platform improves verification accuracy, reduces manual intervention, and provides a multilingual experience based on the tourist's nationality.

FTA Director General Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla highlighted that the launch of this AI-powered platform represents a significant advancement in the tourist tax refund journey, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The implementation of this technology has already shortened the refund processing time to one business day as of October 2026, compared to the previous nine days.

The introduction of this platform is part of the authority's efforts under the Digital Zero Bureaucracy Programme, aiming to further simplify and expedite various processes for tourists.

As of October 2026, the refund network includes approximately 16,700 registered retail points of sale, with 22.4% of transactions processed through 98 self-service kiosks across shopping centers, hotels, and departure points. Since the scheme's launch in 2018, the FTA has processed about Dh4.2 billion in VAT refunds across 25 million transactions.

Projections for the upcoming year anticipate approximately four million transactions with a projected refund value of around Dh692 million. During the first nine months of 2026, tourist satisfaction with the service reached 93%, reflecting a positive experience for visitors.