Dubai has introduced regulatory updates permitting international visitors to apply directly for tourist visas via the Visit Dubai website starting November 2026. Entry permits will continue to be verified and issued by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. The emirate also unveiled the Dubai Access Club for frequent visitors.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority, in collaboration with Planet, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform for tourist Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds. Operational across major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the paperless system uses facial recognition to process claims. The upgrade reduces tourist refund distribution times from roughly nine days to one business day.
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