UPI Poised For Widespread Adoption In UAE As QR Code Payments Become Mainstream

NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), in partnership with Network International, a leading digital commerce enabler across the Middle East and Africa, has facilitated the acceptance of QR-code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments across point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UAE.

This initiative aims to provide seamless transaction experiences for Indian tourists across Network International’s extensive merchant network in the UAE. With over two lakh POS terminals spread across 60 thousand plus merchants in various sectors such as retail, hospitality, transport, and supermarkets, the UPI acceptance rollout will encompass a diverse range of establishments, including popular tourist and leisure attractions.

The Unified Payments Interface was officially launched in the UAE during Prime Minister Narendra



Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi, marking the interlinking of India’s UPI with the UAE’s instant payments platform, AANI, and facilitating seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This agreement, signed during PM Modi’s visit, also includes the interlinking of domestic debit/credit cards – RuPay from India and JAYWAN from the UAE, enhancing financial connectivity and cooperation. 

Earlier, Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, has partnered with NPCI International to integrate UPI-enabled apps such as PhonePe with NEOPAY, Mashreq’s payment platform. With more financial institutions pitching in for UPI adoption, Indian customers traveling to the UAE, as well as NRIs with Indian bank accounts, can enhance their payment convenience.