Exciting news for Indian travelers! The popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has officially launched in Qatar, making international payments smoother than ever. This landmark achievement is a result of a strategic collaboration between NPCI International Payments Ltd and Qatar National Bank (QNB), leveraging NETSTARS’ advanced payment solution. Now, Indian visitors can simply scan a QR code to complete transactions at various point-of-sale terminals across Qatar. Kicking off this digital transformation, Qatar Duty Free has become the very first merchant to accept UPI, offering unparalleled convenience right from arrival.
This expansion is particularly significant given that Indians represent the second-largest demographic of international visitors to Qatar. The new system means travelers can enjoy real-time transactions throughout the country, ditching the need for physical cash and the often-cumbersome process of currency exchange. Beyond convenience, UPI’s acceptance in Qatar further solidifies its position as a truly global payment network, promoting seamless interoperability worldwide.
The benefits aren’t limited to travelers alone. Qatar’s vibrant retail and booming tourism sectors are set to receive a significant boost. With UPI now available, merchants partnered with QNB can anticipate a surge in transaction volumes, empowering them to expand their businesses and provide an even more effortless shopping experience for their diverse clientele.
Ritesh Shukla, MD and CEO of NPCI International (a subsidiary of NPCI), emphasized the broader vision: ‘Our goal is to boost UPI’s global presence and establish a truly interconnected payment ecosystem worldwide. Our collaboration with QNB marks a crucial step in this direction.’ He further highlighted that this initiative will empower millions of Indian travelers with secure, digital payment options, greatly reducing their reliance on cash.
Adding to this sentiment, Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB, noted that this milestone transcends mere convenience for Indian visitors. ‘It delivers substantial advantages to the Qatari market by encouraging cashless transactions, energizing both the retail and tourism industries, and reinforcing the interoperability of our payment infrastructure,’ Al-Neama stated. He underscored the profound impact on local businesses, enabling them to flourish by drawing in more customers and offering modern, effortless digital payment choices.