The UAE has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to make VAT refunds for departing tourists faster and simpler, reducing the time taken to process refunds to just one business day from around nine days previously.
Launched by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in partnership with Planet, the authorised operator of the country’s tourist VAT refund scheme, the new system replaces much of the traditional paperwork with a fully digital process. It is now operational at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport.
The platform combines facial recognition, automated verification and digital data processing to streamline refund requests. The initiative also supports the UAE’s wider push to modernise government services and eliminate unnecessary administrative procedures.
Senior officials attended the launch events at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports, including representatives from the FTA, Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, and the two airport operators.
A Digital Process From Start to Finish
Tourists can begin the process before reaching the airport by downloading Planet’s dedicated mobile application. Registration involves facial scanning and saving images of the traveller’s passport and bank card within the app.
When preparing to leave the UAE, travellers scan a QR code displayed at designated tax refund points across the airport. The application then guides them through the next steps, with AI assessing their transactions and determining whether additional inspection is necessary.
For eligible purchases that do not require physical inspection, the entire request can be completed through the app. Travellers can submit their claims without visiting a verification counter, and the refund is paid using their selected refund method.
Those whose transactions require further checks are directed to smart gates equipped with facial recognition technology. The system identifies the traveller and matches the relevant transaction details before directing them to a designated self-service kiosk.
By automating these checks, the authority aims to reduce queues and eliminate repetitive identification procedures, allowing passengers to complete the process within minutes when departing.
AI Takes Over Routine Verification
The platform links relevant digital systems to match purchase invoices with travel information, reducing the need for manual checks. It also directs travellers according to the requirements of their individual transactions rather than sending everyone through the same process.
A multilingual interface, supported by AI, is designed to provide travellers with an appropriate language experience based on their nationality.
The technology also has a compliance function. It can identify unusual transaction patterns during verification, helping the authority detect potential irregularities and protect public revenue while keeping legitimate refund requests moving efficiently.
The FTA described the development as part of its broader effort to redesign public services around customer convenience, digital integration and reduced bureaucracy.
Refund Figures Reflect Growing Demand
The authority reported that tourist satisfaction with the refund service reached 93% during the first nine months of 2026, up from 92% in the corresponding period of 2025.
Based on current performance indicators, the FTA expects the scheme to process around four million transactions between November 2026 and October 2027, with the total value of refunds projected to reach approximately AED 692 million.
Since the scheme began in 2018, tourists have received about AED 4.2 billion in VAT refunds through 25 million transactions, according to figures released by the authority.
The programme has also continued to expand its retail network. Refund values rose by 8% in 2025 compared with the previous year, while transaction volumes increased by 5%.
By October 2026, approximately 16,700 retail outlets were electronically connected to the scheme. A further 769 outlets joined during the first nine months of 2026, following the addition of 1,326 outlets throughout 2025.
The country currently has 98 self-service VAT refund kiosks across shopping centres, hotels and departure locations. Transactions handled through these kiosks account for 22.4% of all activity under the tourist refund programme.
Part of the UAE’s Wider Digital Push
The latest platform builds on earlier upgrades to the UAE’s tourist VAT refund system, including the introduction of a fully digital process and a system allowing refunds on qualifying e-commerce purchases made during visits to the country.
The FTA said continued improvements are intended to make tax services more accessible while strengthening operational efficiency and compliance.
For international visitors, the most immediate change is the shorter wait for refunds and fewer steps at the airport. For the UAE, the rollout represents another move towards technology-driven public services as the country seeks to reinforce its position as a destination for tourism and shopping.
