Indian travelers visiting or transiting through Qatar will soon benefit from the convenience of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments. This initiative comes as NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), a branch of India’s National Payments Corporation, has partnered with QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa based in Qatar. The collaboration aims to introduce QR code-based UPI payments across Qatar’s extensive QNB merchant network.
Anubhav Sharma from NPCI International highlighted the potential advantages, stating that UPI acceptance in Qatar will simplify transactions for Indian tourists, ensuring a smoother travel experience abroad. This integration will allow Indian visitors to use their preferred payment method at retail stores, tourist attractions, leisure sites, duty-free shops, and hotels in Qatar.
Adel Ali Al-Malki of QNB Group Retail Banking emphasized that adopting UPI payments will revolutionize transaction processes, making payments faster and more convenient for merchants and customers alike.
Currently, UPI has expanded beyond India to several countries globally, including Bhutan, Singapore, Nepal, France, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. Notably, France was the first European country to implement UPI payments, starting at the Eiffel Tower, while the UAE was the pioneer in the Middle East, reflecting its significant trade relations with India.
What is UPI?
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a mobile-first payment system developed by India’s National Payments Corporation. It simplifies digital payments by allowing users to scan QR codes or transfer money directly via phone numbers, with funds credited directly to the linked bank account. In India, UPI is accessible through apps like BHIM, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, and BharatPe.
This development signifies a significant step towards enhancing payment convenience and efficiency for Indian travelers in Qatar, aligning with global trends in digital payment adoption.
