NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has announced a strategic partnership with Network International to facilitate QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments via Network’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UAE. This collaboration aims to enhance the existing UPI merchant acceptance network in the region, ensuring seamless and secure transactions for Indian tourists and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
Network International, a prominent enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), boasts over 2,00,000 POS terminals across 60,000+ merchants. These merchants span various sectors including retail, hospitality, transport, and supermarkets. The rollout of UPI acceptance will gradually encompass a wide range of establishments, from retail stores and dining outlets to major tourist attractions like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are expecting a significant influx of Indian tourists, projected to reach 9.8 million in 2024. The UAE alone anticipates 5.29 million arrivals from India, driven by both business and leisure travel. By enabling UPI payments through its POS terminals, Network International aims to offer a secure and familiar payment method for Indian tourists and NRIs with Indian bank accounts.
Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, emphasized the significance of this partnership, 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.”
Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network International, said, “By enabling customers to pay in their preferred method, we are one step closer to realizing our vision to empower businesses and merchants with the latest payment technologies and strengthening the vision of a digital UAE.”
This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing cross-border payment capabilities and supporting the growing number of Indian visitors to the UAE, contributing to a more connected and digital global payment landscape.