UPI Goes Live in Qatar: NPCI and QNB Enable Digital Payments for Indian Travellers

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with Qatar National Bank (QNB) to enable QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance across Qatar. The initiative, powered by NETSTARS’ payment solution, will allow Indian travellers to make digital transactions via UPI at point-of-sale (POS) terminals across the country.

The first merchant to go live on UPI in Qatar is Qatar Duty Free, giving Indian visitors the convenience of cashless transactions at major retail outlets within Hamad International Airport. More merchants acquired by QNB will gradually roll out UPI acceptance in the coming months.

The move comes at a time when Indians form the second-largest group of international visitors to Qatar. By removing the need to carry cash or exchange currency, the partnership is expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for Indian tourists.

For Qatar, the acceptance of UPI is set to provide a boost to the retail and tourism sectors. Increased transaction volumes will help merchants scale their businesses, while offering seamless payment experiences to customers.

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, said the collaboration was a step toward creating a globally interoperable payment network. “This partnership with QNB will help millions of Indian travellers make seamless, secure digital transactions and reduce their dependence on cash. We are focused on driving interoperability and making cross-border payment experiences hassle-free for users,” he said.

Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer of QNB, said introducing UPI would not only improve convenience for travellers but also benefit the Qatari market. “This milestone boosts retail and tourism by promoting cashless transactions, strengthening interoperability, and helping local merchants attract more customers,” he added.

Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer of Qatar Airways Group, said Qatar Duty Free was proud to be the first merchant to integrate UPI in Qatar. “By offering Indian travellers a secure, cashless option, we are elevating the retail experience at Hamad International Airport and ensuring smoother journeys for millions of visitors,” he said.

The partnership also marks another milestone in India’s push to expand UPI’s global footprint, which has already seen adoption in several countries. For NIPL, the launch in Qatar demonstrates how UPI can serve as a bridge for cross-border payments while enhancing convenience for travellers abroad.

Tsuyoshi Ri, CEO of NETSTARS, said, “We are honoured to be part of this launch in Qatar, which empowers local merchants to accept digital payments efficiently from millions of international travellers. This aligns with our mission to expand seamless and secure payment experiences globally.”