- Dubai International Airport announced an AI-powered upgrade to its tourist VAT refund system on October 21, 2026
- The new system was developed in partnership with the Federal Tax Authority and Planet Tax Free
- Senior officials from the UAE's identity, tax, and airport authorities attended the launch of the upgraded process
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has introduced an AI-powered VAT refund system for tourists, slashing the waiting time for card payment refunds from nine working days to a single working day.
Source: Facebook
The airport announced the upgrade on Wednesday, October 21, describing the new process as "faster, smarter and simpler" for visitors departing through DXB.
The revamped system was developed in partnership with the Federal Tax Authority and Planet Tax Free.
How the new Dubai VAT refund system works
The AI-assisted verification process replaces the previous paperwork-heavy procedure with a fully digital journey, allowing eligible tourists to complete their refund requests within minutes at the airport.
The move eliminates physical documentation requirements entirely, streamlining a process that has historically caused delays for departing visitors.
The system forms part of DXB's broader "oneDXB" community initiative, through which the airport collaborates with government and private partners to improve the overall passenger experience.
"Claiming VAT refunds at @dxb just got faster, smarter and simpler," the airport stated.
Who was present at the launch?
The unveiling brought together a number of senior figures from across the UAE's public and private sectors.
Those in attendance included Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai; Abdulaziz Al Mulla, director general of the Federal Tax Authority; DXB deputy CEO Jamal Al-Hai; chief operating officer Majed Al Joker; and chief commercial officer Eugene Barry.
The gathering underscored the collaborative nature of the project, which required coordination across government identity systems, tax administration infrastructure, and airport operations.
The UAE's tourist VAT refund scheme allows eligible visitors to reclaim the 5% value-added tax paid on purchases made during their stay, provided goods are exported from the country upon departure.
The scheme has been a significant draw for international shoppers, particularly those visiting Dubai's extensive retail sector.
The reduction in refund processing time is expected to make the scheme more attractive, particularly for tourists who shop using card payments rather than cash.
Who can travel visa-free to the UAE?
Meanwhile, the UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include citizens of seven nationalities, among them Kenyans.
To qualify, travellers must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of nine approved countries, including the US, UK and Australia.
Eligible visitors can stay in the UAE for 14, 28 or 60 days, depending on the applicable visa conditions.
Source: TUKO.co.ke