UAE unveils fully digital VAT refund app for tourists at three airports
By Business & Property Desk2 min read
The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority has introduced a completely digital, paperless tax refund platform at several airports, calling it the world’s fastest such experience.
The new application uses AI-powered technology to reduce waiting times by speeding up refund processing. The authority said tourists can complete all refund procedures within minutes before their departure.
Launched on Tuesday in partnership with Planet Tax Free, the platform is now operational at Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport.
Digital refund platform goes live at three airports
Planet Tax Free is the exclusive operator of the UAE’s Tourist Refund Scheme, which allows visitors to reclaim the 5 per cent value-added tax applied to most goods and services before leaving the country.
The Planet app aims to minimise manual intervention, integrate steps, and simplify verification requirements, according to the authority.
How the app works for tourists
Tourists must first download the Planet app, designed specifically for tax refunds in the UAE. They register by completing verification, including a face scan and uploading images of their passport and bank card. Once registered, they become eligible for the digital refund experience.
Upon arrival at the airport, tourists scan a QR code displayed on screens at tax refund service points. The refund process begins immediately through the app.
If transactions require inspection, the app notifies the tourist and automatically directs them to Planet’s smart gates. As they pass through the gate, their face is scanned, and their identity and transaction details are recognised automatically, eliminating the need for repeated conventional identification.
AI speeds up refund processing
The app’s AI technology identifies transactions eligible for automatic refunds where no purchases need inspection to verify eligibility under applicable legislation. It also directs each tourist to the appropriate process based on their transactions.
If no inspection is required, tourists only need to complete the first two steps. They can finalise their refund request directly through the app without any in-person verification, and the refund amount is disbursed through the application.
The launch is part of the Federal Tax Authority’s wider strategy to expand AI adoption to enhance the efficiency of its operational systems and advance its initiatives under the ‘Digital Zero Bureaucracy Programme.’
