Fintech

NPCI International Expands UPI Payments in UAE

• ByStartupStory     |    July 4, 2024

In a significant move aimed at enhancing digital payment solutions for Indian tourists and residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), NPCI International Payments Ltd has joined forces with Dubai-based Network International to expand the adoption of Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

The partnership will enable QR code-based UPI payments through Network International’s extensive network of over 200,000 POS terminals and 60,000 merchants across the UAE. This initiative is set to revolutionize payment experiences for Indian travelers, facilitating seamless transactions at various establishments including retail stores, dining outlets, and popular tourist destinations such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Network International will deepen UPI’s presence in the UAE. By growing UPI payment acceptance across merchants in the UAE, we are not only providing Indian travelers with a seamless and familiar payment experience but also promoting the use of innovative digital payment solutions internationally.”

Earlier this year, fintech firm PhonePe also introduced UPI payments for its users in the UAE through Mashreq’s NEOPAY Terminals, further enhancing the accessibility of UPI-based transactions for Indian nationals visiting the country.

Indian tourists constitute a significant portion of international visitors to the UAE, with Dubai alone welcoming 1.84 million Indian tourists in 2022. Additionally, as of August 2023, approximately 3.554 million Indians reside in the UAE, underscoring the importance of tailored digital payment solutions for this demographic.

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