Retail outlets linked to UAE's Digital Tourist VAT Refund System exceed 19,300

Abu Dhabi: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced continued growth in the UAE's Digital Tourist VAT Refund System, with the number of electronically connected retail outlets rising to more than 19,340 outlets by the end of the first half of 2026. According to the FTA, the figure represents a 5.9% increase compared with 18,260 outlets recorded at the end of the first half of 2025, reflecting the ongoing expansion of the country's digital tax refund ecosystem. The Authority said 449 additional retail outlets joined the system during the first six months of 2026. Over the past two-and-a-half years, a total of 2,983 outlets have been connected to the platform. Expansion of self-service kiosks The number of self-service VAT refund kiosks increased to 100 by the end of June 2026, compared with 93 kiosks a year earlier, representing annual growth of 7.5%. Over the past two-and-a-half years, 23 new kiosks have been added across the UAE. The kiosks are located at airports and other departure points, as well as in shopping centres and hotels. Faster and more seamless experience Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the FTA, said the Authority continues to enhance the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System by introducing new features that simplify retailer registration and improve the customer journey. "The Authority is committed to the continuous development of its systems and services, including the Digital Tourist VAT Refund System," Al Mulla said. "We continue to introduce new measures to enhance the process of registering retailers in the system by introducing new features that further simplify registration through a system that is considered the most advanced of its kind globally and operates through fully digital processes." He noted that system upgrades have enabled tourists to complete transactions within minutes, receive digital invoices electronically and process refunds quickly before leaving the UAE. Tourists can also use self-service kiosks available at departure points, shopping malls and selected hotels to complete their refund applications efficiently. Top beneficiary nationalities The FTA said tourists from India, Russia, Turkey, China and the United States accounted for the largest number of beneficiaries of the Tourist VAT Refund Service during 2026. Noon integrated into refund system The Authority highlighted several recent enhancements aimed at improving customer experience and expanding service coverage. Among the most significant developments was the integration of the Noon e-commerce platform into the Tourist VAT Refund System, allowing visitors to claim VAT refunds on eligible online purchases made while in the UAE. The FTA described the initiative as the first of its kind globally, undertaken in partnership with Planet, the approved system operator. The move forms part of broader efforts to expand the number of online platforms and retailers participating in the VAT refund programme and broaden access to the service. Multilingual digital experience The Authority also announced enhancements to Planet's smart application, which now supports 12 languages, including English and 11 newly added languages, making the service more accessible to international visitors. The updated application has also adopted the UAE's official new dirham symbol. Strong visitor engagement Since its launch, the Digital Tourist VAT Refund Platform has attracted approximately 143,720 visitors between mid-April and July 2026, averaging more than 1,451 visits per day. The FTA said the continued expansion of the platform supports the UAE's broader digital transformation agenda, enhances transparency and service efficiency, and contributes to strengthening the country's attractiveness as a leading global tourism and retail destination.