Visitors to the United Arab Emirates can now claim value-added tax (VAT) refunds at over 19,300 retail outlets, supported by 100 self-service kiosks and eligible purchases made through the Noon e-commerce platform. This expansion reflects a 5.9 percent increase compared with the 18,260 stores connected to the Federal Tax Authority’s (FTA) Digital Tourist VAT Refund System at the end of June 2025.

The system enables tourists to obtain digital invoices, submit refund requests electronically, and finalize the process via kiosks located at departure points, shopping malls, and hotels throughout the UAE. Notably, the incorporation of Noon into the system marks the first time tourists can claim VAT refunds on qualifying online purchases made within the country. The FTA, working in partnership with Planet—the approved operator of the tourist VAT refund system—said it plans to include additional e-commerce platforms and online retailers in the future.

During the first half of 2026, 44 new retail outlets joined the VAT refund scheme, a slower growth rate compared to 697 additions during the same period in 2025. Since the system’s launch two and a half years ago, a total of 2,983 stores have been integrated. Meanwhile, the number of self-service kiosks increased to 100 by the end of June 2026, up from 93 in mid-2025. Twenty-three kiosks have been added over the past two and a half years, located at key tourist departure points, hotels, and selected shopping centres across the country.

In addition to network growth, an updated version of Planet’s application was introduced in 2026, expanding language support to 12, including English, with 11 new languages added to facilitate a broader range of users. The FTA’s efforts aim to streamline the VAT refund experience and enhance convenience for international visitors shopping in the UAE.