Qatar Duty Free First to Roll Out UPI Transactions
Indian travellers can now pay seamlessly with UPI.
NPCI International Payments Ltd, in collaboration with Qatar National Bank (QNB) and NETSTARS’ payment solution, has introduced QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments across Qatar. This marks a significant milestone in the global expansion of India’s flagship digital payment system, with Qatar Duty Free becoming the first merchant in the country to accept UPI at point-of-sale terminals.
This development is a game-changer for Indian travellers, who form the second-largest group of international visitors to Qatar. With UPI now available at major tourist attractions and Qatar Duty Free outlets, Indian tourists can make seamless, real-time transactions without the hassle of carrying cash or dealing with currency exchange. The initiative not only enhances convenience but also promotes a cashless economy, aligning with global trends toward digital payments.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) highlighted that this partnership will boost interoperability and expand UPI’s global footprint. “Our goal is to create a truly interoperable global payment network, and this collaboration with QNB is a significant step in that direction,” said Ritesh Shukla, MD and CEO of NPCI International, a subsidiary of NPCI. He emphasized that the move will enable millions of Indian travellers to make secure, hassle-free digital transactions, reducing their reliance on physical currency.
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For Qatar’s retail and tourism sectors, the adoption of UPI is expected to drive significant growth. Merchants acquired by QNB will likely see increased transaction volumes, allowing them to scale their businesses while offering customers a fast and efficient payment option. “This milestone enhances convenience for Indian travellers and brings substantial benefits to the Qatari market,” said Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB. “By promoting cashless transactions, we’re boosting the retail and tourism sectors and strengthening the payments ecosystem.”
The introduction of UPI in Qatar is poised to attract more Indian visitors, who can now shop and explore with ease. Local merchants, particularly in high-traffic areas like Doha’s Hamad International Airport, where Qatar Duty Free operates, stand to gain by catering to tech-savvy customers seeking seamless digital payment options. This move also strengthens economic ties between India and Qatar, fostering greater collaboration in the fintech space.
As UPI continues to gain traction globally, this partnership sets a precedent for other countries to adopt India’s innovative payment system, promising a future where digital transactions are fast, secure, and universally accessible.
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