Doha, Qatar – September 28, 2025, 7:56 PM IST – In a groundbreaking stride for India’s fintech prowess, Qatar has joined the growing league of nations adopting the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking it as the eighth country to integrate this transformative digital payment system. Announced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), this development, effective immediately, enables Indian travelers and the 1.2 million-strong Indian diaspora in Qatar to make seamless, cashless transactions using familiar UPI apps, heralding a new era of financial convenience and cross-border economic synergy.
The integration, facilitated by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) in collaboration with Qatar National Bank (QNB) and Japanese fintech provider NETSTARS, allows QR code-based UPI payments across QNB’s extensive merchant network. Indian tourists can now use apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or BHIM to pay in rupees at Qatar’s retail outlets, with merchants receiving settlements in Qatari riyals. Qatar Duty Free, the retail arm of Qatar Airways Group, leads as the first merchant to implement UPI, enabling instant payments at airport shops, luxury malls, and tourist hotspots like Souq Waqif and The Pearl.
“This partnership is a game-changer for Indian visitors, who form Qatar’s second-largest tourist demographic,” said an NIPL spokesperson. With Indian tourist arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels and Qatar’s allure as a sports and cultural hub post-FIFA World Cup 2022, UPI’s rollout eliminates the need for currency exchanges or card-based payments, streamlining transactions for everything from duty-free shopping to desert adventures.
UPI’s Global Footprint: Eight Countries and Counting
Qatar’s adoption expands UPI’s international presence, which began in 2021 and now spans eight nations strategically chosen for their appeal to Indian travelers and expatriates. Below is the current roster:
| Country | Year Launched | Key Highlights |
|---------------|---------------|----------------|
| **Bhutan** | 2021 | First cross-border UPI; supports pilgrims and border trade. |
| **Nepal** | 2021 | Facilitates remittances and retail for cross-border families. |
| **Mauritius** | 2022 | Popular at resorts and tourist sites; boosts Indian tourism. |
| **UAE** | 2022 | Widely used in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by 3.5 million Indian expats. |
| **France** | 2023 | Europe’s first; adopted at Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. |
| **Singapore** | 2023 | Integrated at Changi Airport and shopping districts. |
| **Sri Lanka** | 2024 | Supports post-crisis tourism revival; used at coastal and cultural sites. |
| **Qatar** | 2025 | Airport and retail focus; caters to sports and luxury tourism. |
UPI’s global model leverages its domestic success—processing over 20 billion transactions worth Rs 25 lakh crore in August 2025 alone—by offering a secure, QR-based system that shields bank details through virtual payment addresses (VPAs). This scalability has made it a preferred choice for countries seeking efficient, low-cost payment solutions.
Stakeholder Enthusiasm: A Win for Tourism and Trade
The Qatar launch has sparked optimism among industry leaders. Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB, called it a “pivotal step” toward a cashless economy. “UPI’s integration enhances Qatar’s appeal as a tourist-friendly destination while driving merchant revenues through faster, digital transactions,” he said. Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL, emphasized the system’s role in global financial inclusion: “We’re building a borderless payment network that empowers users and supports local economies.”
For Indian travelers, the benefits are immediate. Mumbai-based entrepreneur Arjun Desai, who recently visited Doha, shared, “Swapping cash or worrying about card fees was a hassle. Now, I can pay for shawarma or souvenirs with a quick UPI scan—it’s like being in India.” The system also promises cost savings, as UPI transactions typically incur lower fees than traditional card networks.
Challenges and Future Ambitions
While UPI’s global expansion is a triumph, hurdles remain. Aligning with local regulations, educating merchants, and managing real-time forex settlements require meticulous coordination. NIPL is addressing these through targeted campaigns, including airport kiosks and app-based tutorials for outbound Indian travelers. The 2022 MoU with the Arab Monetary Fund hints at broader regional adoption, with Oman and Saudi Arabia rumored as future targets.
NIPL’s roadmap is ambitious: UPI aims to reach 20 countries by 2029, with Thailand, Malaysia, the UK, and Maldives next in line. These expansions will prioritize high-traffic tourism and diaspora hubs, ensuring UPI’s utility for India’s 30 million annual outbound travelers. As Qatar’s markets buzz with UPI’s arrival, the system is not just a payment tool but a symbol of India’s digital diplomacy, knitting economies together one scan at a time.
For now, as Indian tourists explore Qatar’s futuristic skyline or vibrant souks, they carry a piece of home in their phones—a UPI app that makes the world feel just a little more connected.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
