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Reviewing the development of the VAT refund service for UAE nationals building new residences as a model for the Zero Bureaucracy Programme

Fri, 30 Oct 2026

Federal Tax Authority Holds Customer Council Session in Dubai

Reviewing the development of the VAT refund service for UAE nationals building new residences as a model for the Zero Bureaucracy Programme

Abdulaziz Al Mulla: Strengthening engagement and constructive dialogue between the Authority and customers to continuously improve services and further simplify procedures
Customer satisfaction rises from 83% to 93% as Zero Bureaucracy measures accelerate and simplify procedures

Dubai, UAE –30 October 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has today confirmed that its VAT refund service for UAE nationals building new residences has undergone significant improvements, with legislative and procedural measures now introduced to simplify and accelerate the refund process. The FTA also noted that the service represents one of many tax services undergoing continuous development and enhancement.

The announcement came during a Customer Council session held in Dubai to discuss the development of the VAT refund service for UAE nationals building new residences and its transition towards proactive service delivery as a practical model for the Zero Bureaucracy Programme.

The session was attended by H.E. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority; H.E. Hesham Amiri, Deputy Chief of Government Services at the UAE Prime Minister's Office; and several FTA officials. Participating stakeholders included UAE nationals, contractors, consultants, and representatives of verification bodies and relevant government entities.

The FTA Director General said: “The VAT refund service for UAE nationals building their homes continues to undergo development and enhancement as part of the Federal Tax Authority’s comprehensive strategy to strengthen innoVATion and digital transformation.

“These efforts align with the UAE leadership’s prudent directives to continue implementing the third cycle of the Zero Bureaucracy Programme and to continuously redesign and improve the customer experience across government services, contributing to efforts to position the UAE among the world’s most innoVATive countries.”

His Excellency added: “Several legislative and procedural measures have recently been introduced to simplify and accelerate the refund process. These include extending the deadline for submitting refund applications from six months to 12 months, giving UAE nationals sufficient time to complete all refund requirements.

“This year has also seen an expansion in the range of payments eligible for tax refunds as part of the ‘Year of Family’ initiatives, supporting the government’s vision to develop a modern housing system that enhances citizens’ happiness and provides them with a dignified life. As part of our digital transformation efforts, we also launched the ‘Maskan’ smart application for VAT refunds on UAE nationals’ residences, which offers greater accuracy, efficiency and speed.”

Abdulla Al Bastaki, Chief Executive Officer of the Information Technology Sector at the FTA, and Head of the Team Implementing the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme at the Federal Tax Authority, stated that “The Zero Bureaucracy measures implemented by the Authority have significantly accelerated and simplified VAT refund procedures for UAE nationals building new residences. The number of data fields has been reduced by 50%, while the time required to complete and submit a refund application has been reduced by 80%. As a result, customer satisfaction with the service increased from 83%, in 2023, to 93%, in 2026.”

Dr. Ibrahim Ali Abdullah, Director of the Tax Operations Department at the Federal Tax Authority, also emphasised that the event reflected the FTA’s commitment to reaching stakeholders across all available channels to raise tax awareness and strengthen engagement and constructive dialogue with customers. This approach facilitates the exchange of ideas, improves service quality, addresses challenges and gathers customer suggestions for simplifying procedures in line with the objectives of the Zero Bureaucracy Programme.

During the session, members of the FTA team presented the requirements and procedures for VAT refunds on UAE nationals’ residences. The presentation outlined a customer journey comprising four clear and straightforward steps: submitting the application; verifying eligibility and supporting documents; approving the application and notifying the applicant electronically; and transferring the refund to the applicant’s bank account.

The session also reviewed the service’s development, beginning with the manual processing of applications submitted by email, when the service launched in 2018, followed by the introduction of an online application platform, in 2019. This progressed to the launch of the ‘Maskan’ smart application in 2024, which now provides customers with a proactive digital journey, with further enhancements continuing today. The presentation also highlighted how service development and Zero Bureaucracy measures have contributed to continuous improvements.

The FTA also reaffirmed that it closely follows all customer suggestions and gives them careful consideration. It regularly consults relevant customers and listens to their feedback and views based on their actual experiences, reflecting its approach to involving stakeholders in the continuous development of its services.

Federal Tax Authority highlights experience in expanding smart tax systems at Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum

Tue, 27 Oct 2026

During its participation in the seventh forum in Indonesia

Federal Tax Authority highlights experience in expanding smart tax systems at Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum

H.E. Abdulaziz Al Mulla stresses importance of strengthening cooperation among the Initiative’s countries and regions to exchange expertise and facilitate tax transactions

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 27 October 2026: His Excellency Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and Vice-Chair of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum, has stressed the importance of cooperation in tax administration among countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. In remarks made at the forum, he explained that cooperation contributes to the exchange of expertise and information and the wider adoption of smart systems in the tax sector, helping to facilitate tax transactions and the flow of trade and investment. His Excellency also emphasised the importance of bringing efforts together to strengthen the tax cooperation mechanism among Belt and Road Initiative-aligned countries and regions as a key step towards reinforcing their shared ties.

His remarks came during a keynote address at the seventh edition of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum, held over three days in Jakarta, Indonesia, under the theme “Smart Taxation, Shared Prosperity”. The forum brought together delegations from the tax authorities of numerous countries, international organisations, tax experts and representatives of international companies working in relevant fields.

His Excellency headed the UAE delegation at the forum, which also included Saida Kaddoumi Osman, Policy Advisor, and Ahmed Al Yaqoubi, Director of the Digital Services Department. Meetings held during the forum also explored ways to strengthen tax cooperation mechanisms among Belt and Road countries and regions, as well as key steps taken in the recent period to create an environment that supports economic growth and smart transformation in the tax sector. The experiences of the forum’s member countries in this area were also reviewed.

His Excellency Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla’s role on the international stage builds on a leadership career spanning more than two decades in financial, tax and investment affairs. Throughout his career, he has played pivotal roles in developing tax policies, implementing fiscal reforms and managing strategic economic portfolios. He combines extensive executive experience with a strategic vision for advancing financial and tax systems, harnessing technology and artificial intelligence to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness. His participation in the forum’s leadership reflects the active contribution of Emirati professionals to international economic and tax cooperation, through sharing expertise and helping shape the future of tax administration. This further strengthens the UAE’s position as an active partner in advancing global tax cooperation.

The UAE had previously been elected Vice-Chair of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum.

Several panel discussions were held during the seventh edition of the forum, covering a range of topics, including general planning to improve the tax environment and the role of information technology and smart systems in enhancing the tax environment and facilitating tax compliance.

Separately, the UAE delegation, headed by His Excellency Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, participated in a seminar held in Jakarta in the presence of His Excellency Dr Nasaruddin Umar, Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs. The seminar discussed taxation, the digital economy and cryptoassets from the perspective of Islamic Shariah. It brought together officials and specialists from the UAE and Indonesia, with discussions focusing on the exchange of expertise between the two sides in this field.

During the seminar, the FTA’s Director General delivered a presentation on the UAE’s experience in digital transformation and the use of modern technologies to support the continuous development of tax administration, in line with the UAE’s digital transformation strategy. His Excellency highlighted the success of the Authority’s plans to establish a smart tax system that provides high-quality services to customers with the highest levels of efficiency and accuracy, in accordance with best practices.

On the sidelines of the forum, the UAE delegation held bilateral meetings with representatives of participating delegations, including the Egyptian Tax Authority and the Government Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meetings explored ways to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in the tax sector, while drawing on diverse experiences to support the sustainable development of tax administration and the continuous improvement of customer services.

Federal Tax Authority Calls on Persons Subject to e-Invoicing to Comply wit the Prescribed Legal Deadlines and Avoid Administrative Penalties

Sun, 25 Oct 2026

Federal Tax Authority Calls on Persons Subject to e-Invoicing to Comply wit the Prescribed Legal Deadlines and Avoid Administrative Penalties

• Persons subject to the e-Invoicing System with annual revenues of AED 50 million and above must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 30 October 2026 and implement the e-Invoicing System by 1 January 2027.

Abu Dhabi, 25 October 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has called on Persons subject to the e-Invoicing System to comply with the legal requirements, and prescribed timelines for the phased implementation of the System. The System offers numerous benefits to stakeholders by simplifying, standardising and automating invoicing processes.

The FTA stressed that a Person subject to the e-Invoicing System whose annual revenues equal or exceed AED 50 million must appoint an Accredited Service Provider no later than 30 October 2026 and implemet the e-Invoicing System by 1 January 2027.

The FTA highlighted the importance of early preparation and of taking the necessary steps to meet the System’s implementation requirements, to avoid the administrative penalties imposed for non-compliance. It urged Persons subject to the System to complete the necessary procedures well ahead of the prescribed deadlines. It explained that several essential steps are required: selecting the appropriate Accredited Service Provider, then contracting and integrating with the service provider, and following the correct procedures on EmaraTax, the FTA’s digital tax services platform.

The FTA added that a Person subject to the e-Invoicing System whose annual revenues are below AED 50 million must appoint an Accredited Service Provider no later than 31 March 2027 and implement the e-Invoicing System no later than 1 July 2027.

The FTA explained that, under the applicable legislation, an administrative penalty of AED 5,000 is imposed for each month part thereof of delay to implement the e-Invoicing System, including failure to appoint an Accredited Service Provider within the prescribed deadlines. This penalty are intended to promote compliance as part of the UAE’s efforts to support its digital transformation in line with the highest international standards.

The FTA confirmed that the System’s readiness was tested during the pilot phase, ahead of the mandatory implementation of e-Invoicing. The pilot phase focused on assessing the efficiency of integration procedures, the user experience and the readiness of the relevant parties to meet the System’s requirements. The FTA also emphasised phased implementation and continuous communication with stakeholders in the government and priVATe sectors, so that all necessary requirements are met before the deadline set for each phase.

The FTA noted that flexible implementation mechanisms and streamlined procedures have been adopted to support business continuity and help stakeholders comply with the legislation in line with best practices. In parallel, the FTA continues to organise a series of in-person awareness events across the Emirates, as well as virtual sessions, with the participation of stakeholders from across the country. These events explain which categories are required to implement the System, the implementation mechanisms and conditions, how to connect to the System, and actiVATion through EmaraTax.

The FTA held an expanded joint meeting in September 2026 in Dubai, attended by a large number of Accredited e-Invoicing Service Providers, companies and entities subject to the System, together with FTA officials and experts. The meeting provided participants with an opportunity to identify and select the appropriate Accredited Service Provider. It also provided guidance and information and explained the legal and regulatory framework and the process for joining the System. The event served as an important platform, bringing together those responsible for implementation and the accredited service providers in the sector. The meeting aimed to support the successful implementation of the e-Invoicing System, which is expected to represent a significant step in strengthening compliance through secure and effective digital mechanisms.

The FTA urged Persons subject to the e-Invoicing System to review the applicable requirements, procedures, legislation and guidance related to the System, available on the FTA’s website at: E-invoicing.

Building on the Authority’s efforts to foster a culture of constructive community dialogue and enhance tax awareness

Thu, 22 Oct 2026

Building on the Authority’s efforts to foster a culture of constructive community dialogue and enhance tax awareness

Federal Tax Authority Holds Second Session at Al Barsha Majlis as Part of Emirates Majalis Initiative “Closer to Each Other”

Dubai, 22 October 2026: His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), called on customers and members of society concerned with the tax system to share their ideas and suggestions for the sustainable development of the Authority’s services. This would support the Authority’s ongoing efforts to implement the third cycle of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, redesign and continuously improve the customer experience, enhance efficiency, quality and flexibility, and simplify and reduce procedures.

The remarks came during an open meeting held at Al Barsha Majlis in Dubai as part of the Emirates Majalis initiative, launched by the Federal Tax Authority earlier this year under the slogan “Closer to Each Other”. The initiative aims to establish diverse and permanent channels for continuous direct communication with different segments of society and stakeholders concerned with the tax system across the UAE. It seeks to foster a culture of constructive community dialogue, enhance tax awareness and provide an interactive platform where community members can raise enquiries and discuss challenges they may face when completing their tax transactions, contributing to improved services, simplified procedures and greater transparency.

During the meeting, which marked the second session of Emirates Majalis, His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Mulla emphasised the importance of continuous communication between the Authority and all segments of society to understand their views and contributions to the Authority’s plans for the sustainable development of its services and procedures. He noted that the Authority is always keen to involve stakeholders in the ongoing development of tax systems and procedures, taking their views into consideration and continually welcoming feedback and suggestions from all segments of society.

His Excellency also reviewed several topics of importance to UAE Nationals, including the role of Emirati Tax Agents in developing the tax system, procedures for refunding Value Added Tax (VAT) incurred on the construction of UAE Nationals’ residences, and the provision of guidance to Emirati entrepreneurs who own small and medium-sized businesses.

Al Mulla reaffirmed the Authority’s continued commitment to building bridges of trust and communication with all members of society. He stressed the importance of listening to citizens’ feedback and designing tax services that meet their expectations and needs. He noted that direct dialogue is the most effective way to develop more efficient services that meet the aspirations of the community, within a framework of mutual trust between the Authority and its customers. This reinforces the FTA’s approach to providing proactive and integrated services that meet citizens’ needs.

The meeting witnessed strong engagement from attendees, who raised a number of enquiries and challenges relating to tax procedures and transactions. The Authority’s specialised teams responded directly to these enquiries and provided the necessary support and clarifications.

The Emirates Majalis sessions will continue throughout October and November 2026. A session will be held at Salem bin Loutia Al Ameri Majlis in Al Ain on 24 October, followed by a session at Al Rahmaniya Suburb Council in Sharjah on 27 October, and another at Hilal Zayed Al Shehhi Majlis in Abu Dhabi on 3 November, to discuss a range of tax-related topics.

Federal Tax Authority Launches World’s First-of-Its-Kind AI-Powered Digital Platform for Tourist Tax Refunds

Tue, 20 Oct 2026

Federal Tax Authority Launches World’s First-of-Its-Kind AI-Powered Digital Platform for Tourist Tax Refunds

· Abdulaziz Al Mulla: The new platform offers the world’s fastest tax refund experience and embodies a proactive model aligned with the objectives of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme

· Tourist tax refund time reduced to one business day, compared to nine days previously, following continuous improvements to the smart service

UAE, 20 October 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched a new, integrated digital platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds to tourists, the latest of its kind worldwide. The launch forms part of the FTA’s strategy to expand the adoption of AI technologies, continuously enhance the efficiency of its operational systems and advance its initiatives under the Digital Zero Bureaucracy Programme. These efforts align with the directives and prudent guidance of the UAE’s leadership to achieve global influence in areas of government operations, while also strengthening the country’s competitiveness across all sectors.

The launch events of the new smart platform at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Dubai International Airport (DXB) were attended by His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai; His Excellency Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla, Director General of the FTA; Sultan Al Dhaheri, Senior Vice President – Operations at Abu Dhabi Airports; Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airport (DXB); Jorg Oppermann, Acting Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports; and Malek Al Madani, Executive Director of Government Services Quality Monitoring and Community Engagement, as well as other senior officials.

The new smart platform, launched in collaboration between the FTA and Planet, the authorised operator of the VAT Refund Scheme for Tourists, offers the world’s fastest tax refund experience for tourists through fully digital, 100% paperless procedures. This includes verification and data entry through Planet’s enhanced smart mobile application, alongside AI-powered facial recognition technology. It is now operational at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport.

Commenting on the launch, the FTA’s Director General said: “The introduction of this new AI-powered platform marks a significant advancement in the tourist tax refund journey, enhancing the tourist experience at their final point of contact with the country.

“It embodies a proactive government model that places customers at the heart of service design, supported by integration and data-sharing between government entities and partners to deliver outstanding services in accordance with best practices. This strengthens the innoVATion and digital transformation ecosystem, in line with the directives and prudent guidance of the UAE’s leadership to achieve the objectives of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme and redesign government services in accordance with the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence.

“These efforts also reinforce the UAE’s distinguished international standing as a leading global destination for tourism and shopping, supported by its safe environment, attractive landmarks, diverse events and tourism facilities.”

He added: “We are proud of the FTA’s success in accelerating tax refund procedures as part of its ongoing efforts to expand digital zero-bureaucracy initiatives. Indeed, as of October 2026, the UAE has become one of the fastest countries in the world for tourist tax refunds, with the total time required for tourists to receive VAT refunds on their purchases reduced to one business day, compared to approximately nine days previously. This achievement reflects the continuous improvements introduced by the Authority to enhance this smart service.

“The reduction in tax refund time and the launch of the new AI-powered platform build on the achievements made by the FTA in recent years. These began several years ago with the introduction of an enhanced, fully digital tourist tax refund system, which continues to undergo regular updates, followed by the launch of the world’s first VAT refund system for tourists’ e-commerce purchases made during their stay in the UAE.

“All these initiatives contribute to the continuous development of government operations, enhance quality of life in a sustainable environment and further eliminate bureaucracy in government services to promote community happiness and improve the wellbeing of residents and visitors.”

Smooth and Fast Experience

The FTA outlined how tourists can use the new smart platform through a series of simple, clear and exceptionally fast steps.

Step One: Tourists download the Planet smart mobile application, designed specifically for tourist tax refunds in the UAE, and register by scanning their face and capturing and saving images of their passport and bank card in the application. Upon completing this step, tourists become eligible to benefit from the world’s first integrated AI-powered VAT refund journey for tourists.

Step Two: Upon arriving at the airport for departure, tourists scan the dynamic Quick Response (QR) code displayed on numerous screens located at tourist tax refund service points throughout the airport. Once the QR code is scanned, the refund procedures begin immediately through the Planet smart application.

AI technology plays a key role in the new tourist tax refund platform by directing each tourist to the appropriate processes, based on the nature of their transactions. It also identifies transactions eligible for automatic tax refunds where no purchases require inspection to verify their eligibility under the applicable legislation.

This is achieved through data integration between relevant smart systems. If no inspection is required, tourists need only to complete the first two steps, without proceeding to a third. They can finalise their refund request directly through the application without any in-person verification. The refund amount is then disbursed through the preferred refund method selected by the tourist via the smart mobile application.

Step Three (where verification is required): If a tourist’s transactions require inspection, they are notified through the smart application and automatically directed to Planet’s smart gates, which are equipped with AI-powered facial recognition technology. As tourists pass through the gate, their faces are scanned and their identities and transaction details are automatically recognised, eliminating the need to repeat conventional identification procedures. The gate then opens, directing each tourist to their designated self-service kiosk and providing a unique experience tailored to each individual.

Simplifying Verification Requirements

The FTA explained that the new smart platform uses AI technologies to reduce procedures, integrate steps and simplify verification requirements. Through smart verification, invoice and travel information are automatically matched, enhancing verification accuracy and reducing the need for manual intervention. Waiting times have also been reduced through faster processing of refund requests, enabling tourists to complete all refund procedures within minutes before departure. The platform also offers a multilingual experience powered by AI, which automatically provides each tourist with the appropriate language based on their nationality.

The FTA also noted that, to protect revenues and ensure the accuracy and efficiency of tax transactions, the smart platform uses AI technologies to detect unusual patterns during verification procedures. This enhances tax compliance and contributes to protecting public funds while maintaining a smooth tax refund experience for tourists.

Performance Indicators

The Federal Tax Authority expects ongoing development and the latest improvements to further increase tourist satisfaction with the refund service, in the coming period.

Tourist satisfaction reached 93% during the first nine months of 2026, compared to 92% during the same period in 2025. The FTA indicated that, based on current performance indicators, the number of transactions processed through the digital Tourist Tax Refund Scheme, following the latest enhancements, is expected to reach approximately four million transactions over the one-year period from November 2026 to October 2027. A total value of approximately AED 692 million is projected.

The FTA confirmed that the digital Tourist Tax Refund Scheme has achieved positive results and strong efficiency indicators in recent years. Since its launch in 2018, until October 2026, the total value of VAT refunded to tourists through the scheme reached approximately AED 4.2 billion, through 25 million transactions processed based on tourist tax refund tags issued by retail stores electronically connected to the scheme.

In 2025, the annual growth rate in the value of refunds reached 8%, while transaction volumes increased by 5%, compared to 2024. The number of retail stores (points of sale) registered with the FTA and electronically connected to the scheme reached approximately 16,700. A total of 769 retail outlets joined the scheme during the first nine months of 2026, following the addition of 1,326 outlets throughout 2025.

The number of VAT refund self-service kiosks currently stands at 98, located across numerous shopping centres and hotels, as well as at departure points for tourists leaving the UAE. Transactions completed through these kiosks account for 22.4% of all transactions processed through the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme.