NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, to launch QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments in Qatar. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the global reach of UPI, making it accessible to Indian travelers visiting and transiting through Qatar.
This strategic agreement between NIPL and QNB is poised to greatly enhance the travel experience for Indian tourists in Qatar. With this integration, Indian visitors can now use their preferred UPI payment method across a variety of locations, including retail stores, tourist attractions, leisure sites, duty-free shops, and hotels.
“This announcement is of particular significance considering that Indians rank as the second largest group of international visitors to Qatar,” NPCI said in a release.
For merchants in Qatar, adopting UPI payments presents a valuable opportunity to streamline their payment processes. By offering a faster and more convenient checkout experience, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and expand their reach to a broader customer base.
Anubhav Sharma, Deputy Chief of Partnerships and Business Development at NPCI International, said, “We are happy to collaborate with QNB to bring UPI payments to Qatar. We believe that enabling UPI acceptance in Qatar will offer substantial benefits to the large number of Indians visiting the country, simplifying their transactions, and ensuring a hassle-free travel experience abroad.”
Meanwhile, Adel Ali Al-Malki, Senior Executive Vice President, QNB Group Retail Banking, said, “We are confident that the strategic initiative will not only elevate the travel and hospitality sectors but also empower local merchants to thrive in a dynamic and increasingly digital marketplace.”