UAE tourist VAT refund 2026: How to use the new AI-powered platform at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports

Dubai: Dubai is now offering the world’s fastest tax refund experience for tourists through a fully digital, 100% paperless process. On October 20, the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) launched a new, integrated digital platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds to tourists. Here’s everything you need to know about the AI-powered initiative, how to use the smart platform, and where to complete the refund process. What is the new initiative? The rapid and paperless smart tax refund process for tourists is part of the FTA’s initiatives under the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, a national scheme launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to eliminate administrative red tape, streamline government procedures, and elevate the country's global competitiveness in government efficiency. The smart platform was announced yesterday, and was launched as a collaboration between the FTA and Planet, the authorised operator of the VAT refund scheme for tourists in the UAE. The fully digital platform includes verification and data entry through Planet’s enhanced smart mobile application, alongside AI-powered facial recognition technology. Where can I get my tax refund, as a tourist? The initiative is now operational at the following locations: Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi Dubai International Airport Sharjah International Airport How much time do I save? As of October 2026, the UAE has become one of the fastest countries in the world for tourist tax refunds. The total time required for tourists to receive VAT refunds on their purchases has been reduced to one business day, compared to approximately nine days previously. How do I apply for a tourist tax refund? According to the FTA, tourists can start their integrated AI-powered VAT refund journey before arriving at the airport, and then complete the process on-site, before departure. Follow these steps: Step 1: Download and register on the Planet app Download the Planet smart app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Register by performing a facial scan through the app. You will also need to capture and save images of your passport and bank card within the app. Upon completing this step, tourists become eligible to use the app. Step 2: Scan QR code and process refund Upon arriving at the airport for departure, approach a tourist tax refund service point, available at various locations across the airport. Next, scan the dynamic Quick Response (QR) code displayed on the screen of the kiosk. Once the QR code is scanned, the refund procedures begin immediately through the Planet smart application. You will be directed through the process, based on the nature of your transactions. Through data integration, the app identifies any transactions that are eligible for automatic tax refunds, where no purchases require inspection to verify your eligibility under the applicable legislation. If no inspection is required, you only need to complete these first two steps. You can finalise your refund request directly through the app, without any in-person verification. The refund amount is disbursed through the preferred refund method selected via the app. Step 3: Additional step when verification is required If your transactions require inspection, you will be notified through the smart app and automatically directed to Planet’s smart gates at the airport, which are equipped with AI-powered facial recognition technology. Pass through the gate – your face is scanned, and your identity and transaction details are automatically recognised, eliminating the need to repeat conventional identification procedures. The gate will then open, directing you to a designated self-service kiosk, where you will receive a tailored experience, based on your unique case.