Dubai Customs refund applications rise to AED 6.9 billion in first half of 2026

Dubai Customs processed 1.36 million applications for customs deposit refunds in the first half of 2026, up 3.6 per cent from the same period last year.

The total value of applications rose 13.1 per cent to AED 6.9 billion, compared with AED 6.1 billion in the first half of 2025.

The value of approved applications increased to AED 6.2 billion from AED 5.4 billion, a rise of 14.8 per cent.

Dubai Customs says 99 per cent of applications were completed within its target of two working days.

Around 844,500 applications were approved automatically through smart systems, accounting for just over 62 per cent of all completed applications and representing a 10 per cent increase year-on-year.

The authority has also extended the deadline for companies to submit supporting documents from 30 to 90 days, giving businesses more time to complete claims without risking the loss of eligible deposits.