India's NPCI partners with QNB to launch QR code-based UPI payments in Qatar

As UPI continues its global expansion, finding footholds in countries like France, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, India's NPCI has now set its sights on Qatar. 

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has signed an agreement with Qatar National Bank (QNB) to introduce QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments across Qatar. 

NIPL is a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which focuses on deploying NPCI’s real-time payment systems and card schemes globally.

It aims to support other countries by enhancing their payment capabilities through technological assistance, consulting, and infrastructure.

Enabling UPI payment acceptance through QNB's network

The partnership aims to enable UPI payment acceptance through QNB's extensive merchant network, which would significantly boost the number of Indian travellers visiting and transiting through Qatar.

“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," said Anubhav Sharma, Deputy Chief of Partnerships and Business Development at NPCI International.

Benefitting Indians in Qatar

As it seems, NPCI's partnership with Qatar is set to benefit Indian tourists by allowing them to use their preferred UPI payment method at various locations such as retail stores, tourist attractions, leisure sites, duty-free shops, and hotels.

This is particularly notable as Indians rank as the second largest group of international visitors to Qatar.

The introduction of UPI payments will simplify transactions for these travellers, enhancing their overall travel experience.

Local merchants to attract a larger customer base

Not only Indians the partnership will also benefit local merchants in Qatar from adopting UPI payments.

By offering a faster and more convenient payment and checkout process, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and attract a larger customer base.

The innovative payment solution is expected to open up new opportunities for merchants, boosting sales and supporting business growth in the dynamic and increasingly digital marketplace.

"Additionally, merchants in Qatar will greatly benefit from UPI, gaining access to a wider customer base and more efficient payment and collection processing," Sharma said.

What did QNB say about the partnership?

“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 revolutionizing the way transactions are conducted, enhancing the travel experience like never before," said Adel Ali Al-Malki, Senior Executive Vice President of QNB Group Retail Banking.

"We are confident that the strategic initiative will not only elevate the travel and hospitality sectors but also empower local merchants to thrive in a dynamic and increasingly digital marketplace," Adel Ali Al-Malki said.