Indian tourists will be able to use the QR-based UPI to make payments across various sectors

Many Indian visitors to the UAE will now be able to use their currency to make payments anywhere in the nation with the introduction of the quick payment system. Over 60,000 businesses in a variety of industries, including retail, hotels, transportation, and supermarkets, will accept payments from them using the QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI). 

Along with a wide range of businesses, UPI acceptance will soon be extended to destinations for tourists and leisure, such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, as well as retail stores and restaurants.

Following their partnership with NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), the digital commerce company Network International (Network) launched the payment system throughout the nation.

UPI boasts over 350 million active users, making it the largest instant payments system in India. It executed 14.04 billion transactions alone in May 2024. Network is going to offer a safe and secure QR-based way to facilitate cross-border payments by allowing UPI acceptance through its point of sales (POS) terminals. From now on, UPI payments may be made at any of Network's 200,000 terminals in the UAE by Indian visitors and NRIs holding Indian bank accounts.

Indian nationals may now use the PhonePe app, which is powered by UPI, on Mashreq's NEOPAY Terminals, which are located in retail establishments, restaurants, and tourism and leisure destinations. This was made possible earlier this year through a cooperation with Mashreq Bank, which is in Dubai.

The partnership between Network and NIPL, the international division of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), aligns with the UAE's objective to enhance its standing as a top global tourism destination and a centre for business and trade.