Is VAT Included in UAE Prices or Added at Checkout?

In the UAE, the 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) is already included in the price displayed for goods and services. According to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), all advertised and displayed prices must be VAT-inclusive — what you see is exactly what you pay.

This regulation ensures price transparency and fairness. Businesses that fail to include VAT in their displayed prices can face penalties of up to AED 5,000 per violation.

If you notice a retailer adding VAT at checkout, you can report it to the FTA by calling 800 82923 or through their official website.

For tourists, inclusive VAT pricing in the UAE means that while VAT is already built into the sale price, refunds can be claimed later on eligible purchases.

Unlike many countries where taxes appear separately, the UAE’s inclusive VAT pricing model makes shopping simpler and clearer for everyone.

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