Getting a value-added tax or VAT refund at Abu Dhabi airport can significantly reduce your shopping bill when leaving the UAE, especially if you purchased electronics, jewellery, or luxury items. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport uses a fully digital system operated by Planet, making the refund experience smooth and predictable when you know the process.
- What is VAT and the tourist refund scheme in the UAE?
- Who operates the VAT refund at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi?
- Eligibility for VAT refund at Abu Dhabi airport
- Step-by-step: How to get a VAT refund at Abu Dhabi airport
- How much VAT refund can you get at Abu Dhabi airport?
- Location-specific details for Zayed International Airport
- Required documents, receipts, and forms
- Special situations and practical tips
- Official resources and helpful tools
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
What is VAT and the tourist refund scheme in the UAE?
The UAE applies a standard 5% VAT on most goods and services. VAT appears clearly on UAE tax invoices, which must show the retailer’s TRN (Tax Registration Number), the VAT amount, and the total invoice value.
Tourists can reclaim VAT on eligible items through the UAE’s digital tourist refund system, which works nationwide. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) manages this system, ensuring consistency across all airports and exit points. It’s helpful to understand the UAE tax basics to understand everything else.
Who operates the VAT refund at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi?
The airport and Planet manage the refund system through a coordinated setup.
Planet is the exclusive operator
Planet manages the tourist tax refund system at Zayed International Airport, providing kiosks and staffed counters where travellers validate purchases before departure.
Integration with airport systems
Planet kiosks are fully connected with Terminal A’s systems, located near Etihad Airways customer service and positioned for easy traveller access.
Eligibility for VAT refund at Abu Dhabi airport
Here are the key conditions travellers must meet before claiming a refund.
Tourist status and age requirements
To qualify, tourists must be non-residents, 18 years or older, and departing the UAE with goods. UAE residents, airline crew using the goods locally, and GCC nationals residing in the UAE do not qualify.
Purchase and transaction conditions
You must spend at least AED 250 per transaction, purchase from Planet-connected retailers, and receive the correct digital tax-free tag. Goods must be exported within 90 days of purchase. Guides such as tourist VAT refund explanations offer useful clarity on how invoices and tax-free tags work.
Goods that qualify and goods that don’t
Eligible items include fashion, electronics, luxury goods, and souvenirs. Ineligible items include vehicles, services, hotel stays, meals, and anything consumed before departure. Goods must be unused or lightly used and available for inspection.
Traveller and trip requirements
Travellers must actually depart the UAE with the goods, either in hand luggage or checked baggage, after validation. Validation must be completed within six hours before exit. Each tourist must have their own refund account.
Step-by-step: How to get a VAT refund at Abu Dhabi airport
Step 1: Shop at participating retailers in Abu Dhabi and the UAE
Participating stores display Planet’s tax-free signage. At checkout, request a digital tax-free form and ensure your passport details and travel information are accurate. Keep all invoices and tags organised.
Step 2: Prepare before heading to the airport
Check the 90-day rule, decide whether goods should be carried on or checked later, and allow extra time at the airport. Some travellers access Planet’s tools to monitor refund status.
Step 3: Finding VAT refund facilities at Zayed International Airport
Planet validation points in Terminal A are located near the Etihad customer service area. Facilities include self-service kiosks for faster processing and manned counters for complex cases.
Step 4: Validation process at Zayed International Airport
Before check-in and security, present your passport, boarding pass, tax invoices, and goods. Self-service kiosks scan your passport, tags, and boarding pass; staffed counters can perform manual inspections if required.
Step 5: Choosing your refund method
Refunds are available through:
- Cash (up to AED 35,000 per tourist per trip)
- Credit or debit card
- Supported digital wallets
Cash payouts may have daily limits (often around AED 10,000). Card refunds depend on bank processing and FX charges. For travellers who like detailed breakdowns, the UAE tax refund offers additional context on refund methods.
Step 6: Completing the process and leaving the UAE
After validation, Planet issues a digital or printed confirmation. Refunds must be claimed within one year for export-validated tags.
How much VAT refund can you get at Abu Dhabi airport?
Tourists typically receive 85% of the VAT paid, after deducting the AED 4.80 fee per tax-free tag. This reflects the latest FTA guidance for 2025.
Please note that each transaction incurs a fee of AED 4.80. Multiple small transactions can result in multiple fees, which is why some tourists consolidate purchases.
Example:
- Purchase of AED 1,000 → VAT = 50 → Refund ≈ 42.5 after fee
- Purchase of AED 20,000 → VAT = 1,000 → Refund ≈ 850 after fee
Also worth noting is that cash refunds are capped at AED 35,000; any excess amounts will be credited to the card. Card refunds may be subject to FX charges. Validated tags must be refunded within one year.
Location-specific details for Zayed International Airport
Knowing where refund points are located makes the process quicker and easier.
- Airport overview and terminals: Zayed International Airport is Abu Dhabi’s main international hub, with most tourist refund services in Terminal A, home of Etihad Airways.
- Planet counters and kiosks: Validation points are situated landside, before security, near check-in areas. Transit passengers may also access specific counters depending on routing.
- Using VAT refund when departing by sea or land: Abu Dhabi’s seaports and land borders participate in the same national scheme. Travellers leaving by road must validate goods before crossing the border.
Required documents, receipts, and forms
Having the right documents ready makes the VAT refund process at Abu Dhabi airport smooth and hassle-free.
- Personal identification and travel documents: Bring your passport (or GCC ID, if eligible) and boarding pass. Identity must match the tax-free tag.
- Retail documentation and tax-free tags: Keep all invoices showing VAT amounts and retailer TRNs. Digital tax-free tags issued at purchase must stay with the goods until processing.
- Goods for inspection: High-value items like jewellery or watches may require inspection. Used or missing goods can invalidate refunds.
Special situations and practical tips
Some travel scenarios require extra steps to ensure your refund goes smoothly.
- Transit and connecting flights via Abu Dhabi: If Abu Dhabi is not your final UAE exit, you must validate where you leave the UAE. Transit-only passengers often cannot access landside kiosks.
- Group travellers and families: Each adult tourist must validate individually. Consolidating invoices for children is allowed, but handled under the adult’s passport.
- High-value purchases: Carry purchase certificates for luxury items. There is a limit on cash refunds; large refunds should go to cards for security.
- Refunds not received or issues after departure: Typical refunds to cards may take days to weeks, depending on banks. If something goes wrong, contact Planet using your receipt reference or check FTA resources.
Official resources and helpful tools
These sources make it easier to confirm rules and track your refund details.
UAE government and FTA resources
The FTA publishes updated tourist refund rules and digital guides. The UAE Government portal offers current VAT refund instructions.
Planet and airport information
Planet’s tourist landing page explains refund percentages and timelines. The airport’s website lists exact kiosk locations.
Traveller community tips
Many travellers report that early-morning flights have the shortest validation queues.
Key takeaways
The VAT refund at Abu Dhabi airport is managed by Planet through a fully digital system that lets eligible tourists reclaim about 85% of the VAT paid on qualifying purchases. To receive your refund smoothly, shop at participating retailers, meet the AED 250 minimum spend per transaction, keep invoices and tax-free tags, and validate your goods before check-in. Staying within the 90-day purchase window, keeping your passport details accurate, and carrying goods for inspection help prevent delays or rejections.
FAQs
About 85% of the VAT is paid after the AED 4.80 fee per transaction.
At Planet kiosks near the Etihad customer service area in Terminal A.
No, keep them available until validation is complete.
One year from the date of export validation.
