Shopping in the UAE has become even more convenient for international visitors. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered digital platform designed to make claiming VAT refunds faster, simpler and almost entirely paperless.

The new system combines mobile technology, facial recognition and automated verification to improve the refund experience for tourists departing the country. It also supports the UAE’s wider efforts to modernize government services and reduce administrative procedures.

With refund processing time reduced from approximately nine days to just one business day, the initiative represents another step forward in the country’s digital transformation.

Published: 9 November 2026 | Category: Tax Updates & Compliance

A Faster Way for Tourists to Claim VAT Refunds

Launched on 20 October 2026, the new platform was introduced by the FTA in collaboration with the authorised operator of the UAE Tourist VAT Refund Scheme.

The system uses artificial intelligence to simplify verification, match purchase and travel information, and identify transactions that qualify for automatic processing.

It is currently operational at:

• Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
• Dubai International Airport.
• Sharjah International Airport.

Unlike traditional procedures that may require additional manual checks, the upgraded platform allows eligible tourists to complete their refund requests digitally through a mobile application.

How Does the New Refund Process Work?

The upgraded service is designed around three main steps:

1. Register Through the Mobile Application

Tourists download the designated mobile application and complete registration by verifying their identity through facial scanning. They also upload images of their passport and bank card.

2. Scan the Airport QR Code

When departing the UAE, tourists scan a dynamic QR code displayed at designated VAT refund service points. The refund process then begins through the mobile application.

3. Complete Additional Verification, If Required

Artificial intelligence determines whether a purchase requires physical inspection. If no inspection is necessary, tourists can submit their refund requests directly through the application.

If further verification is required, travellers are directed to smart gates equipped with facial recognition technology before proceeding to the relevant self-service kiosk.

This approach reduces repeated identification procedures and unnecessary manual intervention.

What Makes the New Platform Different?

The platform introduces several features designed to improve the tourist refund experience:

• AI-powered verification: Automatically matches purchase and travel information.
• Facial recognition: Helps verify travellers’ identities through smart gates.
• Paperless processing: Reduces reliance on conventional paperwork.
• Automated routing: Directs tourists to the appropriate verification process.
• Multilingual assistance: Provides an experience tailored to the traveller’s language.
• Faster processing: Allows eligible refund requests to be completed within minutes at departure, with the overall refund timeframe reduced to one business day.

The technology also helps identify unusual transaction patterns, supporting tax compliance and the protection of public revenue.

Key Figures Behind the UAE Tourist VAT Refund Scheme

The latest announcement also highlights the growing use of the UAE’s digital tourist refund service.

According to the FTA, the scheme recorded the following results as of October 2026:

• AED 4.2 billion: Total VAT refunded to tourists since the scheme began in 2018.
• 25 million: Transactions processed through the scheme.
• 93%: Tourist satisfaction during the first nine months of 2026, compared with 92% during the same period in 2025.
• 16,700: Approximately registered retail outlets electronically connected to the scheme.
• 98: Tourist VAT refund self-service kiosks currently available.

The FTA also projects approximately four million transactions, representing an estimated AED 692 million in refunds, between November 2026 and October 2027 following the latest improvements.

These figures demonstrate the scale of the tourist refund programme and the increasing role of digital services in supporting the UAE’s tourism and retail sectors.

What This Means for Tourism and Retail in the UAE

The introduction of AI-powered refunds goes beyond improving the experience at airports. It also supports the wider relationship between tourism, shopping and digital government services.

For international visitors, a simpler refund process can make shopping in the UAE more convenient. For retailers participating in the scheme, efficient digital processing helps support the overall customer journey.

The initiative also demonstrates how technology can be used to improve service delivery while maintaining verification procedures and tax compliance.

Conclusion

The UAE’s new AI-powered Tourist VAT Refund Platform represents a significant development in the country’s digital tax services.

By combining automated verification, facial recognition and paperless procedures, the Federal Tax Authority is making the refund process more efficient for international visitors.

With processing time reduced to one business day, the initiative strengthens the UAE’s position as a destination focused on innovation, convenience and an improved visitor experience.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Tourist VAT refund eligibility and procedures remain subject to the applicable UAE VAT legislation and the requirements of the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme.

Official Reference

• Federal Tax Authority – Launch of the AI-Powered Digital Platform for Tourist Tax Refunds