The UAE Federal Tax Authority has introduced a fully digital and cashless service for tax refunds at several UAE airports, which it describes as the fastest tax refund experience in the world.
The new digital application utilizes artificial intelligence technology, allowing for reduced waiting times at the airport due to accelerated refund processing. According to the authority, the platform enables tourists to complete all refund procedures within minutes before departure.
The platform was launched on Tuesday in partnership with Planet Tax Free and is now operational at Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport. Planet Tax Free is the exclusive operator of the UAE Tourist Refund Scheme, which allows tourists to reclaim 5% VAT charged on most goods and services before leaving the UAE.
The Planet application aims to simplify procedures and reduce the need for manual intervention by integrating stages and streamlining verification requirements.
How tourists can use the application
The first step requires tourists to download the Planet application, specifically designed for tourist tax refunds in the UAE. Users must register in the app, completing a verification process that includes facial scanning and uploading images of their passport and bank card. Upon completing registration, tourists become participants in the digital VAT refund process.
In the second step, upon arriving at the airport, tourists must scan a QR code displayed on numerous screens at tourist tax refund service points throughout the airport. The refund procedure begins immediately through the application itself.
If transactions require verification, tourists will receive a notification via the app and will be automatically directed to Planet's smart gates. When passing through the gates, their faces are scanned, and their identity and transaction details are recognized automatically, eliminating the need to repeat standard identification procedures.
Artificial intelligence for accelerating refund requests
Thanks to AI-based technologies, the application identifies transactions eligible for automatic tax refunds if the purchases do not require verification to confirm compliance with applicable legislation. It also directs each tourist to the appropriate processes based on the nature of their purchases.
If verification is not required, tourists only need to complete the first two steps, bypassing the third. They can finalize the refund request directly through the application without any personal inspection. The refund amount is then transferred via the app.
This launch is part of the Federal Tax Authority's broader strategy to expand the implementation of AI to continuously improve the efficiency of its operating systems and advance initiatives under the 'Zero Level Digital Bureaucracy Program.'