Tourists in the UAE Can Receive VAT Refunds on Noon Purchases
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its digital VAT refund system for tourists to e-commerce. Visitors in the country can now request VAT refunds for eligible online purchases made through Noon. The initiative was launched through a collaboration between the Federal Tax Authority and Planet, the authorized operator of the tourist tax refund system.
Tourist VAT Refunds for Noon Added to the System
Under the new regulation, online orders placed by tourists while they are in the UAE and meeting the required conditions have been included in the digital refund system. The Federal Tax Authority described the inclusion of e-commerce purchases in the system as the first initiative of its kind worldwide. The authority stated that more online marketplaces and retailers are planned to be added to the system in the coming period.
Tourist VAT Refund Network Reaches 19,340 Stores
According to data from the Federal Tax Authority, the number of retail outlets connected to the system increased by 5.9 percent year-on-year to approximately 19,340 as of the end of June 2026. This figure stood at 18,260 during the same period of 2025.
A total of 449 new stores joined the system in the first six months of 2026, compared with 697 stores added during the same period last year. The total number of stores included in the system over the past two and a half years reached 2,983.
Number of Self-Service Kiosks Rises to 100
The number of self-service kiosks where tourists can complete their transactions increased from 93 to 100. Accordingly, the annual increase in the number of kiosks was recorded at 7.5 percent. While 23 new kiosks were introduced over the past two and a half years, the devices were installed at departure points across the country, as well as in shopping malls and hotels. (Noon)
Refund Transactions Can Be Completed Within Minutes
Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority, stated that the system operates through fully digital processes. Al Mulla said tourists can receive their digital invoices, submit their applications to the system before leaving the country, and complete their refund transactions within minutes through the kiosks. (Noon)
Citizens of India, Russia, Türkiye, China, and the United States were among the visitors who used the service the most in 2026. The updated version of the Planet application also began supporting 12 languages, including English. The UAE’s official dirham symbol was also added to the application.