The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long become a true Mecca for shopping lovers. Here you can find everything — from ultra-modern gadgets to jewelry, from designer dresses to handmade carpets. But the most pleasant part comes at the checkout: foreign tourists can reclaim 5% VAT paid on purchases. This means that every walk through the malls turns not only into a hunt for discounts but also into a small financial adventure.
And if before you had to keep paper receipts, folding them into a wallet, bag, or jeans pocket, now everything has become much simpler. No paperwork — VAT refund in the UAE works in a digital format. All you need is your passport, a smartphone, and the desire to buy something beautiful.
How does the Tax Free system in the UAE work?
Since 2022, the country has operated a fully digital VAT refund scheme launched by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). The exclusive operator of the program is Planet, which set up the system in cooperation with the country’s largest malls and brand boutiques.
The mechanism is very simple: for purchases starting from AED 250, the tourist shows their passport, and the seller enters the data into the electronic system. In return, the buyer receives an SMS with a digital receipt and a link to a personal account where all purchases are stored. If you forget something — the system reminds you. It’s like a shopping diary, only without napkin notes.
Not all stores are connected to the program, but there’s a backup: the buyer receives a paper receipt with a unique Planet code. Yes, paper isn’t gone completely yet, but technology is catching up fast.
What happens when leaving the country?
Before checking in your luggage, you need to validate your purchases at special validation points. This can be done in two ways:
- at a self-service kiosk (like an ATM, but instead of money — a tax refund),
- at a staffed validation counter.
The process feels like a mini-quest: you scan your passport, the system checks your purchases, and if a green light appears — mission accomplished. If it’s red, don’t panic — just ask a staff member for help. Technology sometimes fails.
Next, you choose how to get your money back — to a card, digital wallet, or in cash. For those who like to “touch money,” exchange office counters beyond passport control are available.
Where are VAT refund points located?
In the UAE, it’s almost impossible to miss a Tax Free kiosk — they’re everywhere. Refund points can be found in all major airports: Dubai, Abu Dhabi (Zayed International), Sharjah, Al Maktoum, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and even Al Ain.
Prefer traveling by car? No problem: refund zones are also set up at land borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman. For cruise travelers, Tax Free is available in the ports of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah.
And here’s a bonus: Planet kiosks are located directly in shopping malls. This means you can complete part of the process even before your suitcases are packed with new purchases.
Things to keep in mind
VAT refunds in the UAE apply only to goods taken out of the country. So, if you buy a gym membership in Dubai or rent a Lamborghini for the weekend, you won’t get tax back. Another condition: the purchase amount must be at least AED 250. So, no refund for a pack of dates from the market (though the dates are worth it).
Why is this really beneficial?
According to Dubai Tourism, VAT refunds have become a serious driver for shopping tourism. In 2024, Dubai welcomed more than 17 million tourists, and most transactions went through the Tax Free system. In 2025, experts predict interest in this option will grow by more than 12% — not surprising, since with big purchases like electronics or jewelry, the 5% refund can be a significant amount.
And, of course, the procedure itself is part of the country’s image. The UAE wants to show that everything here works fast, conveniently, and technologically. Even tax refunds turn into a smooth service — not endless paperwork.
Shopping in Dubai can be compared to a fitness workout: you walk a lot, carry bags, and spend energy. But here, at the end of the “training,” you actually get money back.
More seriously, the Tax Free system is an ideal solution for those who like to combine pleasure with practicality. Buy a new iPhone, reclaim the VAT — and with the saved money, grab a couple of extra boxes of oriental sweets.
