The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reported a significant boost in support for Emirati homeowners, revealing that approximately 4,000 citizens received VAT refunds totaling Dh353.5 million during the first half of 2026. This marks a notable year-on-year growth, with a 27.5 percent increase in the number of successful applications and a 24.1 percent rise in the total monetary value returned compared to the same period in 2025. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to alleviate the financial burden on citizens investing in private residences.

To further streamline this process, the FTA has introduced the "Maskan" smart application, which automates much of the documentation previously required by applicants. By integrating with municipalities and the Central Bank of the UAE, the system now automatically generates refund applications upon the issuance of building completion certificates and populates invoice data directly. Furthermore, the authority has expanded the list of eligible expenses, potentially saving homeowners an additional Dh25,000 per claim. By leveraging AI to verify tax data and simplifying banking procedures, the FTA is successfully fostering a more efficient housing ecosystem that prioritizes the stability and well-being of Emirati families.