UPI Now Accepted In Qatar, Qatar Duty Free Becomes First Merchant

New Delhi:

NPCI International Payments Ltd has partnered with Qatar National Bank to implement QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance across Qatar through point-of-sale terminals. This integration utilizes NETSTARS' payment solution for merchants acquired by QNB.

The implementation enables Indian tourists to conduct UPI transactions effortlessly at major attractions and Qatar Duty Free outlets, with the latter being the first merchant to implement UPI, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Indians represent the second-largest international visitor demographic to Qatar. This collaboration will facilitate real-time payments throughout the country, reducing cash dependency and eliminating currency conversion challenges.

The UPI implementation in Qatar enhances interoperability while extending UPI's international presence. Additionally, it's expected to benefit Qatar's retail and tourism industries as UPI acceptance will increase transaction volumes for QNB-acquired merchants.

This initiative will support business growth for merchants while providing enhanced convenience for customers.

"Our goal is to expand UPI acceptance globally and establish a truly interoperable international payment network. Our partnership with QNB represents progress toward this objective," stated Ritesh Shukla, NPCI International MD and CEO.

NPCI International operates as a subsidiary of NPCI.

The implementation will allow millions of Indian travelers to make secure digital transactions seamlessly while reducing their reliance on cash, Shukla added.

Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB, described this development as a milestone that not only enhances convenience for Indian visitors but also brings substantial benefits to Qatar's market by encouraging cashless transactions, supporting retail and tourism sectors, and strengthening payment ecosystem interoperability.

He further noted that this initiative will enable local merchants to flourish by attracting additional customers and providing them with convenient digital payment options.