The UAE charges 5% VAT on most goods, including gold and jewellery. If you are a visitor taking your purchase home, you can claim most of that VAT back. The system is run through Planet, the country's official tax-refund operator, and it is straightforward once you know the four steps.
1. Buy from a registered retailer
Only purchases from shops registered with the refund scheme qualify. Most established directory">jewellers in Dubai are. Ask before you pay, and tell them you want a tax-free purchase.
2. Get the tax-free tag
The retailer links your purchase to your passport and issues a digital tax-free tag. Keep the invoice. There is usually a minimum spend per transaction for eligibility, so ask the shop to confirm.
3. Validate when you leave
When you exit the UAE, validate the tag before you check the goods in. At the airport there are Planet validation points; you may need to show the gold, the tag and your passport. Allow extra time — do this before security and immigration.
4. Collect your refund
Once validated, choose a refund to your card or in cash. A small administration fee is deducted, so you receive most, not all, of the 5%. Card refunds can take a few days to appear.
Keep it clean
Carry the gold in your hand luggage with the invoice and tag until validation is done. Residents do not qualify — this is a visitor benefit — so if you live in the UAE, VAT is simply part of the price.
