The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced a new app called “Tourist Refund” at the Gitex Global exhibition in Dubai, simplifying the process for tourists to claim VAT refunds.
Tourists no longer need to keep printed receipts; instead, merchants scan the invoice, and the information is recorded in the app. Upon exiting the UAE, tourists can present the invoices in the app at designated airport locations to claim their refund, either in cash or as a credit card transfer.
This automated system eliminates the need to wait in queues. The app is currently available on Android and will be released for Apple devices later this year. The UAE implemented a 5% VAT on consumer goods in 2018, and tourists can claim refunds when leaving the country through ports, land borders, and airports.
Additionally, the FTA is showcasing another app called “Maskani” under the Emaratax Platform, which expedites refunds, reducing processing time from 20 working days to just five.
The director of the Taxpayer Services Department at FTA, Zahra Al Dahmani, also encouraged companies to register for corporate tax, which was implemented in June 2023, emphasizing the importance of timely registration due to the FTA’s application review process.
