Qatar: Indian travellers will soon be able to make UPI payments

Great news for all those planning to travel to Qatar. As per the latest development, NPCI International has partnered with Qatar National Bank (QNB) to enable UPI payments in Qatar. This development means that travellers can use their UPI apps, such as Google Pay or PhonePe, to make payments seamlessly in Qatar.



QNB Group, the largest bank in the Middle East and Africa, operates in over 28 countries and offers a wide range of financial services, including access to more than 5,000 ATMs. This collaboration will allow Indians visiting Qatar to use UPI at various places, including shops, leisure areas, tourist spots, duty-free shops, and hotels. Given that Indians are one of the largest groups of visitors to Qatar, this will greatly enhance the convenience of transactions.The benefits extend to local businesses as well. By accepting UPI payments, Qatari shops and businesses can offer faster and smoother checkouts, enhancing the customer experience and potentially increasing sales. The ease of UPI transactions will attract more customers and streamline the payment process for merchants.

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Anubhav Sharma, Deputy Chief of Partnerships and Business Development at NPCI International, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. He stated, “We are happy to collaborate with QNB to bring UPI payments to Qatar. We believe that enabling UPI acceptance in Qatar will offer substantial benefits to the large number of Indians visiting the country, simplifying their transactions, and ensuring a hassle-free travel experience abroad." Sharma also highlighted that merchants in Qatar would significantly benefit from UPI by gaining access to a wider customer base and more efficient payment and collection processing.

Adel Ali Al-Malki, Senior Executive Vice President of QNB Group Retail Banking, shared his excitement about this pioneering initiative. He said, “We are thrilled to embark on this pioneering journey with NIPL to bring UPI payments to Qatar, setting a new standard in innovation in the region. With this new digital payment solution acceptance, we are revolutionising the way transactions are conducted, enhancing the travel experience like never before." Al-Malki further emphasised that this strategic initiative will not only elevate the travel and hospitality sectors but also empower local merchants to thrive.

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The introduction of UPI payments in Qatar through the collaboration between NPCI International and QNB Group marks a significant advancement in facilitating easier and more efficient transactions for Indian travellers. This initiative is poised to enhance the travel experience, support local businesses, and strengthen economic ties between India and Qatar.