Digital payments in the UAE and Middle East are set to become more convenient as NPCI International collaborates with Network International (Network), a leading player in digital commerce in the region. This partnership will introduce QR code-based UPI payments via Network’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals across the UAE, providing a seamless and secure transaction experience for Indian tourists and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
The rollout of UPI acceptance will be progressive, targeting retail use initially. This initiative aims to ensure that Indian travellers can enjoy a familiar and hassle-free payment experience while abroad. Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “By growing UPI payment acceptance across merchants in the UAE, we are not only providing Indian travellers with a seamless and familiar payment experience, but also promoting the use of innovative digital payment solutions internationally.”
The move comes in anticipation of a significant influx of Indian tourists to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with projections estimating 9.8 million Indian visitors in 2024. Of these, the UAE alone expects to welcome 5.29 million arrivals from India, according to a release from NPCI.
This initiative aligns with efforts by the Indian government, the Reserve Bank of India, and NPCI International to expand the global acceptance of UPI. The payment system is already officially accepted in several countries, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, UAE, Singapore, France, and Bhutan, marking a significant step towards faster and more efficient digital payments worldwide.
