Dubai - Mubasher: The UAE's Federal Tax Authority (FTA) announced that the digital system for tourists' tax refund scheme will be ready to issue and process value-added tax (VAT) refund claims for eligible tourists to recover tax incurred on their purchases as of Sunday 18 November at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah International Airports.

The Authority revealed that preparations are underway for phase two of the scheme, which goes into effect on 16 December, allowing overseas tourists to claim refunds of taxes at all other UAE airports and land and sea ports that are taking part.

FTA’s director general Khalid Al Bustani revealed that the number of retailers linked to the electronic system has exceeded 4,500 stores, during a press conference held in Dubai on Wednesday.

The number of targets is expected to rise next month to include more retail outlets across the UAE as the scheme enters its second phase. The company hired to operate the system, Planet, has completed all necessary tests to ensure the system is running efficiently and accurately, Al Bustani added.