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UAE FTA Launches AI-Powered Digital Platform for Tourist VAT Refunds

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.

Published Source: Emirates 24|7
Issuing authority
Federal Tax Authority
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 20, 2026
Effective date
October 20, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
news.google.com
Illustration: An international airport terminal departure hall with modern self-service tax refund digital kiosks and travelers walking past electroni
Illustration

The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched an integrated artificial intelligence-powered digital platform for tourist Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds, developed in partnership with Planet, the authorized operator of the UAE's VAT Refund Scheme for Tourists.

According to the FTA, the new system introduces fully digital, 100% paperless procedures utilizing mobile data entry and AI-driven facial recognition technology. The upgrades shorten the time required for international visitors to receive eligible tax refunds from approximately nine days to one business day.

Under the new process, travellers register via the Planet mobile application by capturing images of their passport, bank card, and facial scan. At airport departure points, passengers scan dynamic QR codes, allowing AI validation to determine whether a physical goods inspection is necessary or if the refund can be disbursed directly without in-person counter verification.

The platform is now operational at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Sharjah International Airport. The initiative aligns with the UAE's Digital Zero Bureaucracy Programme and targets major inbound travel markets, with FTA records listing Chinese visitors among the top beneficiary nationalities of the tourist tax refund scheme.

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