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UAE Launches Upgraded AI Digital Tourist VAT Refund System at Major Airports

The UAE Federal Tax Authority has launched an AI-powered digital platform for tourist VAT refunds at major airports, cutting processing times from nine days to one. Operating with scheme operator Planet, the paperless system links roughly 16,700 retail points across the country.

Published Source: Arabian Business
Issuing authority
Federal Tax Authority
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 20, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Illustration: A modern airport departure terminal interior with automated digital self-service tax refund kiosks, sleek glass architecture and soft li
Illustration

The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced an upgraded artificial intelligence-powered digital system for tourist Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds across major airports in the country.

According to Arabian Business, the new platform reduces refund processing times from approximately nine business days to one business day while eliminating paper-based procedures. The system has been deployed at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah International Airport in collaboration with scheme operator Planet.

Approximately 16,700 retail stores and points of sale across the UAE are now electronically integrated into the refund platform. Official figures cited by the source show that the total value of tourist VAT refunds rose by 8 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, alongside a 5 percent increase in total transaction volumes.

Sources

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