India’s homegrown digital payments network, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has taken another step in its international journey. NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), in partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB), has introduced QR code–based UPI acceptance across Qatar, making it easier for Indian visitors to pay digitally.
The integration has been enabled by NETSTARS’ payment solution, ensuring smooth point-of-sale transactions at QNB merchant outlets. With this launch, Indian travellers can now use UPI to pay instantly without relying on cash or currency exchange counters.
UPI in Qatar
Qatar Duty Free has become the first merchant to officially go live with UPI acceptance. In the coming months, several tourist attractions, retail shops, and hospitality outlets across Qatar are expected to adopt the system.
This move is particularly significant because Indians represent the second-largest group of international visitors to Qatar. From shopping at malls to dining at restaurants, travellers will now experience the same UPI convenience they enjoy back home in India.
Boost for Tourism and Retail
For Qatar, the partnership is more than just a payments upgrade. It strengthens the retail and tourism sectors by increasing transaction volumes and enabling local merchants to attract international customers more easily. By offering familiar digital payment methods, businesses can expect more spending from Indian tourists.
The collaboration also adds to the ongoing efforts of both India and Qatar to enhance interoperability in cross-border payments, making transactions faster, safer, and cash-free.
Leaders Share Vision
Speaking on the occasion, Ritesh Shukla, MD and CEO of NPCI International, said, “Our aim is to enhance UPI acceptance globally and build a truly interoperable global payment network. This partnership with QNB is a significant step in that journey. Millions of Indian travellers can now make seamless, secure payments without depending on cash.”
Echoing similar thoughts, Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB, added, “Introducing UPI in Qatar changes the way Indian tourists engage with our retail sector. It not only brings convenience but also strengthens our digital payments ecosystem, boosts tourism, and allows local merchants to thrive.”
NETSTARS Joins Effort
The rollout was also supported by NETSTARS Co., Ltd, the technology provider enabling this integration. Tsuyoshi Ri, CEO of NETSTARS, said, “We are honoured to work with NPCI International, Qatar Airways Group, and QNB in bringing UPI to Qatar. This milestone will reshape the digital payment experience for millions of travellers.”
By merging Indian digital innovation with Qatar’s rapidly modernising payment infrastructure, the partnership highlights how technology can drive global financial inclusion and smoother consumer experiences.
UPI’s Global Presence
With this latest move, UPI acceptance now extends to Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, in addition to Qatar. Each expansion strengthens UPI’s position as a global payments leader, giving Indians the comfort of digital transactions abroad.
This global push also enhances India’s reputation as a pioneer in real-time payment systems, showing how local innovation can scale internationally to solve common financial challenges.
India-Qatar Relations
The launch of UPI in Qatar is not just a financial milestone but also a reflection of the deepening India-Qatar relations. With Indians forming a significant portion of Qatar’s expatriate and visitor base, the availability of UPI strengthens cultural, economic, and tourism ties between the two nations.
As both countries continue to collaborate on technology and trade, initiatives like this one make everyday life smoother for travellers while strengthening bilateral relations. It positions UPI as a trusted payment method globally while helping Qatar welcome Indian visitors with greater convenience.
Future Outlook
The growing international acceptance of UPI reflects a broader vision: creating a cashless, borderless payment experience for Indians worldwide. As more countries adopt the system, Indian travellers will be able to rely on a single, familiar payment method across continents.
For Qatar, this step ensures that its local businesses are future-ready and well-positioned to cater to the rising wave of digital-first global travellers. For India, it is another example of how technology is becoming a tool of diplomacy and economic growth.
