Indian visitors to Qatar can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for transactions, with Qatar Duty Free outlets at Hamad International Airport becoming the first merchant to enable the service, according a release from NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), reported by ANI. The launch follows a partnership between NIPL and Qatar National Bank (QNB), with technology support from Japan’s NETSTARS. The system will allow QR code-based transactions at point-of-sale terminals across Qatar.
Convenience for Indian travellers
India is the second-largest source of international visitors to Qatar. The facility will allow Indian visitors to pay directly at shops, airports and tourist sites without carrying cash or exchanging currency, according to NIPL.
Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIPL, said the tie-up with Qatar National Bank was an important step in taking UPI overseas. He added that the initiative would make travel “more convenient and secure for millions of Indians” while supporting efforts to build a broader, interoperable payment network.
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“It will help millions of Indian travellers make seamless, secure digital transactions and reduce their dependence on cash. As UPI makes its mark, we are focused on driving interoperability and making cross-border payment experiences hassle-free,” he said.
Boost for Qatar’s retail and tourism sectors
Qatar sees the initiative as a means to strengthen its economy and promote cashless transactions. Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer of QNB, said: “This milestone not only enhances convenience for Indian travellers but also benefits the Qatari market by boosting retail and tourism sectors, and strengthening interoperability in the payments ecosystem.”
Qatar Duty Free, part of Qatar Airways Group, said it was committed to enhancing the experience of passengers. “As the first entity in Qatar to enable UPI as a payment option, we are proud to offer Indian travellers a seamless, secure, and cashless transaction experience at our outlets,” said Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer.
Technology partner’s role
NETSTARS, which developed the solution powering UPI transactions in Qatar, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. Its CEO Tsuyoshi Ri said the partnership would “empower local merchants in Qatar to accept digital payments conveniently and efficiently from millions of international travellers.”Â
The launch in Qatar is part of India’s broader effort to internationalise UPI. The system is already operational in countries such as Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the UAE. Officials said the expansion supports interoperability and offers Indian travellers more secure and convenient payment options abroad.
