Tax Free in Qatar: Is There a Tourist VAT Refund and How to Save on Shopping

Qatar has no VAT and no Tax Free refund system for tourists – this is not a gap in the system but a feature of the country's tax policy. Unlike the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, Qatar has not yet implemented a value-added tax, which means there is simply nothing to refund upon departure. Prices at shops in Doha are already final – no hidden tax surcharges.

Here is what you need to know before shopping in Qatar:

• Qatar has no VAT. The country signed the GCC VAT Framework Agreement in 2016, but implementation has been repeatedly delayed. The rollout is expected no earlier than 2026 at a 5% rate.
• There are no Tax Free Refund counters at Hamad Airport. Do not waste time looking for them – they do not exist.
• Duty Free at Doha Airport is a different story. Over 40,000 sq m of retail space with duty-free prices is available to departing and transit passengers.
• Excise tax applies to tobacco (100%), energy drinks (100%), and carbonated drinks (50%) since 2019. This is the only indirect tax in the country.
• Prices at Doha malls are fixed – bargaining is only appropriate at traditional markets like Souq Waqif.
• Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere. The Qatari riyal (QAR) is pegged to the US dollar at 3.64 QAR per 1 $.

The Tax Free system works on a simple principle: a tourist pays VAT at the time of purchase and receives part of that tax back when leaving the country. For this system to exist, the country must have VAT. Qatar does not.

Qatar and Kuwait remain the only Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that have not introduced VAT. The other four members – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman – already operate VAT systems and provide tourist tax refunds.

The reasons for the delay are pragmatic: high oil and gas revenues reduce the need for additional tax income, and the government is concerned about inflationary pressure on the local economy. Preparation for implementation is nonetheless underway – the tax authority's IT infrastructure is being upgraded and legislative frameworks are being drafted.

If you are accustomed to claiming Tax Free refunds in Europe or the UAE, that skill will not apply in Qatar. On the upside, there is no VAT markup hidden in price tags either.

The Duty Free zone at Doha International Airport is one of the largest in the world. Over 180 retail and dining outlets spread across more than 40,000 sq m. It is available to all departing passengers after passport control.

What is genuinely cheaper at Duty Free:

A useful feature: the Collect on Return service lets you purchase items at Duty Free when departing and pick them up when you return to the airport. Convenient for transit passengers who do not want to carry shopping bags.

Doha is a city of malls. Key shopping destinations include Place Vendôme in Lusail – one of the largest shopping centers in the region. Luxury brands are well represented, and prices are often lower than in European boutiques because there is no VAT. Mid-range jeans cost around 40-55 $, and sneakers run 55-137 $ (Updated: February 2026).

Souq Waqif is Doha's main market for souvenirs, spices, textiles, and traditional crafts. Bargaining is expected – start at 50% of the asking price. Arabic coffee pots (dallah), incense, and hand-embroidered textiles cost 2-3 times less here than in airport Duty Free.

The Gold Souq at Souq Waqif offers gold items priced close to the market rate of the metal, plus a markup for craftsmanship. Without VAT, gold in Qatar is objectively cheaper than in most European countries.

Many travelers combine trips to Qatar and the UAE. Here is an objective comparison:

The non-obvious takeaway: for purchases under 1,000 $, the difference between Qatar and the UAE is minimal. On larger purchases (jewelry, electronics, branded goods above 500 $), Qatar's lack of VAT provides a real advantage of 3-5%, because the UAE Tax Free system returns roughly 4.25%, not the full 5%.

Although there is no Tax Free in Qatar, it is still worth knowing the customs rules when departing from Doha Airport:

Cash exceeding 50,000 QAR (~13,700 $) must be declared. Jewelry and expensive electronics may require receipts – keep them. Exporting antiques and cultural artifacts without permission is prohibited. The alcohol limit from Duty Free is standard for air travel (usually 1-2 liters, depending on your destination country).

Tip: photograph your receipts on your phone right after purchase. Thermal receipts fade within days in Qatar's heat.

Since Tax Free does not apply, you need to save in other ways:

Buy gold and jewelry specifically in Qatar rather than neighboring countries – the absence of VAT makes prices objectively lower. Purchase alcohol only at Doha Airport Duty Free – buying it legally in the city is extremely difficult and expensive. For electronics, compare prices at city malls and Duty Free – the difference often favors the city. At Souq Waqif, pay with cash – sellers are more willing to offer discounts. Branded clothing is better value at Lusail malls – prices without VAT are often 10-15% below European levels. Check visa requirements for your nationality before travel to ensure a smooth entry process.

1. Is there Tax Free in Qatar? No. Qatar has not implemented VAT, so a tourist tax refund system (Tax Free) does not exist. All prices in stores are already final – without any tax surcharge.

2. Can I get a tax refund at Hamad Airport? No, there are no Tax Free Refund counters at Hamad Airport. However, there is an extensive Duty Free zone with duty-free pricing – over 180 shops and restaurants.

3. When will Qatar introduce VAT? Based on the latest information, VAT implementation in Qatar is expected in 2026 at a 5% rate. However, the exact date has been postponed multiple times, so check the Qatar General Tax Authority website for current updates.

4. Is it cheaper to shop in Qatar or Dubai? It depends on the product category. Gold and jewelry are cheaper in Qatar due to the absence of VAT. Electronics and clothing cost roughly the same. Dubai offers a wider selection and has Tax Free, but the refund covers only a portion of the 5% VAT.

5. What currency should I bring for shopping in Qatar? The Qatari riyal (QAR) is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 3.64 QAR per 1 $. US dollars are accepted at large malls and Duty Free, but at a less favorable rate. Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. International travelers should verify their card network compatibility before departure.

Qatar is one of the few countries where Tax Free for tourists simply does not exist, but this is not a disadvantage – it is a consequence of having no VAT at all. Prices on tags are already final, without a hidden 5-20% tax like in Europe or the neighboring UAE. For smart shopping, use Duty Free at Doha Airport (especially for perfume and alcohol), buy gold at Souq Waqif, and remember to bargain at traditional markets.

Read also:

• Qatar for tourists: what you can and cannot do
• Souq Waqif in Doha – complete visitor guide, prices, food and how to get there
• Taxis in Doha: Karwa, Uber, (no) Careem – prices and how to book

General Tax Authority Qatar – tax information

Qatar Duty Free – official website

PwC Tax Summaries – Qatar tax overview