Indian travelers can now seamlessly use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Qatar, with Qatar Duty Free leading as the first merchant to implement it, as announced by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
This advancement is a result of a collaboration between NIPL and Qatar National Bank (QNB), facilitating UPI transactions across Qatar through QR code-enabled point-of-sale terminals. This system, powered by NETSTARS’ technology, aims to simplify financial transactions for Indian tourists, who are the second-largest group of international visitors to Qatar.
With UPI now introduced in Qatar, Indians can perform real-time payments at attractions and stores, minimizing the necessity for cash or currency exchanges. This initiative is anticipated to boost Qatar’s retail and tourism sectors by increasing transaction volumes with QNB-affiliated merchants.
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Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NIPL, stated, “Our goal is to expand UPI’s global acceptance, creating a truly interoperable worldwide payment network. Partnering with QNB is a significant step in this direction, facilitating seamless and secure digital transactions for millions of Indian travelers, thus reducing cash reliance. As UPI gains traction, we remain focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring hassle-free cross-border payment experiences.”
From Qatar’s viewpoint, UPI’s introduction is seen as a boon for the economy. Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer of QNB, expressed, “We are thrilled to bring UPI to Qatar, placing us at the forefront of payment innovation. This achievement not only offers Indian travelers increased convenience but also benefits the Qatari market by encouraging cashless transactions, enhancing retail and tourism sectors, and strengthening payment ecosystem interoperability. Critically, it allows local merchants to flourish by attracting more customers and offering seamless digital payment options.”
Qatar Duty Free, operating at Hamad International Airport, is the pioneer in offering UPI payments.
Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer, Qatar Airways Group, remarked, “At Qatar Duty Free, our commitment is to enhance convenience and accessibility for travelers. As the first in Qatar to implement UPI as a payment option, we proudly offer Indian travelers a seamless, secure, and cashless transaction experience at our outlets. This collaboration with NPCI International and Qatar National Bank underscores our dedication to adopting innovative payment solutions addressing the dynamic needs of our diverse customer base. By integrating UPI, we aim to elevate the retail experience at Hamad International Airport, ensuring a smoother journey for millions of visitors.”
Technology partner NETSTARS emphasized the launch’s importance.
Tsuyoshi Ri, Representative Director and CEO of NETSTARS Co., Ltd., commented, “We are honored to be part of this strategic partnership and milestone, introducing UPI in Qatar in collaboration with NPCI International, Qatar Airways Group, and Qatar National Bank. This aligns with our mission to expand seamless and secure payment experiences on a global scale. We are proud to contribute to this launch in Qatar, empowering local merchants to accept digital payments conveniently and efficiently from millions of international travelers.”
