The United Arab Emirates has expanded its Digital Tourist VAT Refund System to approximately 19,340 retail outlets, giving international visitors wider access to faster and more convenient tax-free shopping services.
The total was recorded at the end of June 2026 and represents a 5.9 percent increase from around 18,260 connected outlets during the same period of 2025. A further 449 stores joined the system during the first six months of 2026.
Nearly 2,983 outlets have been added over the past two and a half years, demonstrating the continued adoption of digital tax services across the UAE’s retail and tourism sectors.
The expansion supports the country’s position as a major destination for luxury shopping, leisure travel, international events and business tourism. Visitors can now access refund services across a broader range of malls, hotels, independent stores and online shopping platforms.
Self-Service Kiosk Network Reaches 100
The UAE has also increased the number of self-service tourist VAT refund kiosks operating nationwide.
The kiosk network reached 100 by the end of the first half of 2026, compared with 93 during the corresponding period of 2025. This represents an annual increase of 7.5 percent.
Twenty-three kiosks have been introduced over the past two and a half years. They are available at international departure points, shopping centres and selected hotels.
Their wider availability allows visitors to complete refund procedures before leaving the country. This can reduce waiting times at airports while making the departure experience easier during busy tourism periods.
Tourists can also receive assistance from staffed validation desks at designated exit points.
Digital Process Makes Refunds Faster
The Digital Tourist VAT Refund System connects eligible purchases with the approved refund platform electronically.
Visitors can receive digital invoices and submit qualifying transactions through the system before departure. They can then complete the validation process through a self-service kiosk or staffed facility.
The Federal Tax Authority states that the average service time at a self-service kiosk is approximately three minutes. Transactions completed through staffed validation desks take around five minutes on average.
Refund options include bank cards, cash and selected digital wallets. Bank-card refunds can take up to nine calendar days, while approved refunds through Alipay or WeChat can be processed instantly.
Eligible tourists must generally be at least 18 years old, enter the UAE as visitors and purchase goods from retailers registered under the refund programme.
The minimum eligible spending amount is AED 250 before VAT for each transaction. Tourists must validate their purchases within 90 days of the invoice date when leaving the UAE.
Noon Integration Expands Online Shopping Refunds
One of the most important recent developments is the inclusion of the Noon e-commerce platform in the digital VAT refund network.
The integration allows eligible tourists to claim VAT refunds on qualifying online purchases made while they are visiting the UAE.
This expands the service beyond traditional physical stores and reflects the growing role of digital commerce in the visitor economy.
Tourists increasingly purchase fashion, electronics, gifts and travel essentials online during their stays. Linking e-commerce transactions with the refund platform creates a more consistent shopping experience across physical and digital channels.
The Federal Tax Authority is working with Planet, the approved system operator, to encourage additional e-commerce platforms and online retailers to join the programme.
Multilingual Application Improves Accessibility
The enhanced Planet smart application now supports 12 languages, including English, following the addition of 11 new language options.
This update helps international visitors understand refund procedures and track eligible purchases in a language they can use comfortably.
The application has also adopted the UAE’s official dirham symbol, creating a more locally aligned digital experience.
Greater language accessibility is particularly important in the UAE, which welcomes travelers from diverse tourism markets.
Visitors from India, Russia, Türkiye, China and the United States accounted for the largest number of tourist tax refund beneficiaries during 2026.
Retailers Gain From Wider Tourist Spending
The growing refund network benefits retailers as well as travelers.
Stores participating in the programme can make their products more attractive to overseas visitors by clearly offering tax-free shopping on eligible goods.
Easy refund access may encourage tourists to make larger purchases or explore more retail locations during their trips.
The benefits can extend beyond major luxury shopping centres. Hotels, local stores and independent businesses connected to the platform can gain greater exposure to international customers.
Shopping remains an important part of the UAE tourism experience, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Visitors often combine retail activity with entertainment, dining, cultural attractions and major events.
Digital Tourism Strengthens UAE Competitiveness
The expansion of the VAT refund system reflects the UAE’s wider strategy of using digital government services to improve the visitor journey.
Tourists increasingly expect quick, mobile and paperless services throughout their trips. Complicated refund procedures can reduce satisfaction, particularly at the end of a holiday.
By connecting nearly 20,000 retailers, expanding self-service kiosks and integrating online shopping, the UAE is reducing friction across the tax-refund process.
The system strengthens the country’s position as a visitor-friendly destination while supporting retail spending, hospitality businesses and international tourism growth.
As more retailers and digital platforms join the network, tourist shopping in the UAE is expected to become even faster, more accessible and more closely connected to the country’s smart tourism ambitions.
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