NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has announced a partnership with Network International to enable QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments in the UAE through Network’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals.
Indian tourists and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can securely transact at UAE merchants using Network International’s 200,000+ POS terminals across 60,000+ locations, including retail, hospitality, transport, and supermarkets, with UPI payments expanding to key venues like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
By 2024, the number of Indian tourists travelling to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to reach 9.8 million, with 5.29 million visiting the UAE. This increase is due to both business and leisure travel.
The introduction of UPI payments will offer a safe and secure QR-based payment method for these visitors, allowing them to use their Indian bank accounts for transactions in the UAE.
Availability
UPI acceptance will be gradually introduced across the Network’s POS terminals for Indian tourists and NRIs with Indian bank accounts.
Speaking about the launch, Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, said:
Our partnership with Network International will enhance UPI’s presence in the UAE. By expanding UPI payment acceptance across UAE merchants, we aim to offer Indian travelers a seamless payment experience and promote innovative digital payment solutions globally. This collaboration underscores our dedication to advancing technology and fostering a connected global payment ecosystem.
Commenting about the partnership, Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network International, said,
We are pleased to collaborate with NPCI International Payments Limited to enhance the payment landscape for Indian visitors and residents in the UAE. By facilitating transactions in their preferred method, we move closer to our goal of empowering businesses and merchants with cutting-edge payment technologies, advancing the vision of a digital UAE. This partnership is poised to foster a resilient digital payments ecosystem that promotes cashless transactions.
Commenting about the launch, Jamal Al Nassai, Group Managing Director for Merchant Services – Middle East and North Africa at Network International, stated:
This partnership marks a significant milestone for our expansive merchant network, poised to gain substantial advantages from this new payment method. As the region’s premier acquirer, Network will utilize its three-decade legacy of technological innovation to integrate UPI-based payment apps seamlessly into our merchants’ operations, fostering global interoperability.