Shopping in Qatar just got a digital upgrade. On October 6, 2025, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) from India officially launched at Lulu Hypermarkets across the country. This means Indian residents, travelers, and even local businesses can now enjoy faster, cost-effective transactions with just a tap of their phone.
Proud to launch Bharat's own #UPI at Lulu Hypermarket in Doha, Qatar.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 7, 2025
This launch is a game-changer for digital connectivity and ease of payments, reflecting India's commitment to facilitating cross-border commerce and leveraging 'Digital India' initiatives.
Operational at… pic.twitter.com/050J3iamsy
UPI Makes Its Debut at Lulu Hypermarkets
UPI, India’s widely used digital payment platform, is now available at one of Qatar’s most popular retail chains. Partnering with Qatar National Bank (QNB), the service has been integrated at point-of-sale terminals, allowing merchants partnered with QNB to accept UPI payments.
For shoppers, this is a game-changer. There’s no need for cash or foreign cards. A quick scan of the UPI QR code and the payment is done in seconds. The convenience is immediate, especially for Indian expats and travelers who previously navigated currency exchange and international fees.
How UPI Benefits Indian Residents
Qatar is home to over 830,000 Indians. For this large expatriate community, UPI is more than just a payment tool—it’s a way to simplify daily life. Grocery shopping, paying bills, or even sending remittances to India can now be done quickly and at minimal cost.
UPI’s real-time transactions make money transfers nearly instant. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress of dealing with multiple banks or payment platforms. For Indian residents, the convenience is immediate and tangible.
Boosting Trade Between India and Qatar
The launch of UPI isn’t just about retail convenience. It has the potential to strengthen trade ties between India and Qatar. Low-cost, real-time digital payments make cross-border business smoother. Small businesses and merchants catering to Indian customers can now accept payments effortlessly, while traders benefit from faster fund transfers.
Experts suggest that this could lead to expanded trade and collaboration between the two nations. With digital transactions becoming simpler, there’s potential for a more efficient and cost-effective business environment.
Qatar Joins the Global UPI Network
With this rollout, Qatar becomes the eighth country to accept UPI. Lulu Hypermarkets follow Hamad International Airport duty-free outlets, where UPI was introduced last month. Indian travelers and residents now have multiple avenues to use the platform for payments.
The broader adoption of UPI reflects a global trend: digital payments are taking over, making shopping faster and hassle-free for everyone. Indian tourists in Qatar can now shop, pay, and send money home without worrying about currency or transaction fees.
Using UPI in Qatar: Simple and Quick
Using UPI at Lulu Hypermarkets is straightforward. Shoppers need a UPI-enabled app linked to their bank account. At checkout, they scan the merchant’s QR code, enter the amount, and confirm. The transaction is instant.
With QNB’s support, any merchant partnered with the bank can now accept UPI. This makes Lulu Hypermarkets a hub for seamless payments and signals wider adoption of digital payments in Qatar. Over time, more stores and businesses are expected to embrace UPI, enhancing convenience for everyone.
The Future of Digital Payments in Qatar
UPI’s arrival in Qatar is a small step with big implications. For Indian residents, travelers, and businesses, it simplifies transactions, lowers costs, and speeds up payments. For Qatar, it’s part of a broader push toward digital innovation and a cashless economy.
As more businesses adopt UPI, everyday shopping, cross-border trade, and financial interactions will become smoother and more efficient. The convenience factor is high, and it promises to make life easier for Indian expats and visitors alike.
The launch of UPI at Lulu Hypermarkets marks a milestone in making shopping and financial transactions effortless in Qatar. Whether you’re a resident stocking up on essentials or a traveler picking up souvenirs, UPI makes payments seamless and fast.
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