We have good news for tourists and visitors.
The new Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme will come into effect on 18 November, allowing tourists to claim refunds for the Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on their purchases made from 18 November onwards, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced.
The implementation of the refund scheme will occur in phases. In the first phase, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah International Airports will be equipped with the digital system of the Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme amd in December, the system will be implemented across all other airports, seaports and land ports.
FTA Director-General Khalid Ali Al Bustani said, “More than 4,000 retail outlets across the UAE will be connected electronically to the system, clarifying that only the invoices issued by retail outlets registered in the scheme and connected to the system are eligible for a refund. These eligible outlets can be identified with posters displayed on their storefronts and visible to visitors.”