UAE Expands VAT Refund System for Tourists

Aug 5, 2026

64 min

Aug 5, 2026 10:30

UAE tourists can claim VAT refunds at 19,340 stores and on Noon purchases

## Expanded VAT Refund System

Tourists visiting the UAE now have access to VAT refunds at over 19,340 retail locations and through the Noon e-commerce platform. This expansion is part of the Federal Tax Authority's (FTA) Digital Tourist VAT Refund System, which saw a 5.9% increase in participating stores by mid-2026 compared to the previous year.

## Noon Purchases Included

The inclusion of Noon in the VAT refund system allows tourists to claim refunds on eligible online purchases made during their stay in the UAE. This initiative, in collaboration with Planet, marks a global first in integrating e-commerce into tourist VAT refunds.

## Increase in Participating Stores and Kiosks

In the first half of 2026, 449 additional retail outlets joined the VAT refund system, bringing the total to nearly 3,000 new stores over the past two and a half years. The number of self-service kiosks also rose to 100, up from 93 the previous year, enhancing convenience for tourists at departure points, hotels, and shopping centers.

## Multilingual Support

An updated version of Planet's application now supports 12 languages, including English, catering to a diverse range of international visitors. Tourists from India, Russia, Turkey, China, and the United States were among the top beneficiaries of the VAT refund system this year.

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