UPI Now Available in UAE Through NPCI and Network International Partnership

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), in partnership with Network International (Network), a leading digital commerce enabler in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, has enabled QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments through the Network’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UAE.

This initiative ensures seamless and secure transactions for Indian tourists and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) across Network International’s extensive merchant network in the UAE. Network operates over 200,000 POS terminals across 60,000+ merchants in sectors such as retail, hospitality, transport, and supermarkets. UPI acceptance will be progressively rolled out, covering a wide range of establishments including retail stores, dining outlets, and major tourist attractions like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, said, “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. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to driving technological advancement and creating a more connected global payment ecosystem.”

Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network International, said, “We are delighted to partner with NPCI International Payments Limited to strengthen the payments ecosystem for Indians visiting or working in the UAE. 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 strengthen the vision of a digital UAE. We are confident that this partnership will drive a robust digital payments ecosystem in the country that will increase cashless transactions.”

Jamal Al Nassai, Group Managing Director for Merchant Services – Middle East and North Africa at Network International, commented: “The launch of this partnership is a milestone for our extensive merchant network, which stands to benefit immensely from the new payment method. As the leading acquirer in the region, Network will leverage its 30-year legacy of technological innovation to enable acceptance of UPI-based payment apps to its merchants to drive global interoperability.”

The number of Indian tourists traveling to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is projected to reach 9.8 million in 2024, with the UAE expecting 5.29 million arrivals from India. This growth is driven by both business and leisure travel. By enabling UPI acceptance through its POS terminals, Network will offer a secure QR-based method for cross-border payments. This will allow Indian tourists and NRIs with Indian bank accounts to use UPI for payments across the Network’s POS terminals in the UAE.