Indian tourists visiting the UAE can now make payments using the instant payment system from their home country. The QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will allow them to make payments at over 60,000 merchants in various sectors. This system will soon be extended to cover a wide range of establishments, including retail stores, dining outlets, and tourist attractions like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
The partnership between Network International and NPCI International Payments Ltd. enables UPI acceptance through Network’s point of sales terminals. With over 350 million active users in India, UPI is the largest instant payments system in the country. This collaboration will provide a safe and secure method for Indian tourists and NRIs with Indian bank accounts to make payments across Network’s 200,000 terminals in the UAE.
Earlier this year, a partnership with Mashreq Bank allowed Indian citizens to use the UPI-powered PhonePe app across Mashreq’s NEOPAY Terminals. The announcement was made in Dubai in the presence of the Consul General of India to the UAE and senior representatives from both companies. The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s vision to enhance its position as a top tourist destination and global hub for commerce.
The number of Indian tourists traveling to GCC countries is expected to reach 9.8 million in 2024, with the UAE anticipating 5.29 million visitors from India. Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network, emphasized the importance of enabling customers to pay using their preferred method, bringing the ecosystem closer to the vision of a digital UAE. Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, highlighted that the partnership with Network International will expand UPI’s presence in the UAE and promote the use of digital payment solutions internationally.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Network International and NPCI International Payments Ltd. will facilitate seamless and familiar payment experiences for Indian travelers in the UAE. The integration of UPI acceptance across a wide range of establishments and Network’s extensive network will benefit both companies and contribute to the promotion of innovative digital payment solutions globally. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s goal to enhance its tourism industry and position itself as a leading global commerce hub.
