The United Arab Emirates has seen a surge in tax refund activity, with travelers from India, Russia, Turkey, China, and the United States leading the list of beneficiaries this year. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has successfully expanded its digital infrastructure to accommodate this demand, growing its network of electronically linked retail outlets to over 19,340. Additionally, the availability of self-service refund kiosks has improved, with 100 machines now conveniently placed in malls, hotels, and transit hubs to ensure visitors can wrap up their tax claims quickly before flying home.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the FTA is pushing boundaries in digital convenience, notably through the integration of the e-commerce platform Noon—a global first that allows tourists to claim VAT on eligible online purchases. The system has also become more accessible to an international audience, with the Planet smart app now supporting 12 languages. FTA director-general Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla emphasized that these continuous upgrades, from simplified retailer registration to seamless transaction processing, are designed to make the UAE a world leader in tax refund efficiency while supporting both local businesses and the overall visitor experience.