The UAE's Federal Tax Authority has rolled out a fully paperless, AI-driven VAT refund system for tourists, cutting the time needed to reclaim value-added tax on purchases to just minutes before departure.
Built with Planet, the exclusive operator of the UAE's Tourist Refund Scheme, the new app uses artificial intelligence to automatically flag transactions eligible for refunds without requiring a manual inspection of goods. Travellers download the Planet app, complete a face scan and upload their passport and bank card details, then scan a QR code at refund points inside the airport. Where an inspection is still required, facial-recognition smart gates handle verification instantly; otherwise the refund is finalised directly through the app.
The service is now live at the UAE's three busiest international gateways: Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport. VAT remains at 5 per cent on most goods and services in the UAE, and the new system does not change the rate, only the speed and convenience of claiming it back.
The move fits into the UAE's broader push to digitise customs and tax procedures and smooth the travel experience for international visitors. Authorities expect shorter waiting times at refund counters to translate into a noticeably better airport experience for tourists heading to Dubai and other emirates, reinforcing the country's reputation as a shopping and leisure destination.
Officials have not disclosed how many tourists are expected to use the app in its first months, but the system is designed to scale to the UAE's growing volume of international arrivals without adding staff at refund counters.