Indian tourists visiting the UAE will soon find it much easier to make payments, thanks to the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This popular payment system from India will be accepted at over 60,000 merchants across the UAE. This development is part of a strategic partnership between Network International and NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), designed to make financial transactions simpler for Indian visitors in the UAE.
Problem & Solution
Traveling abroad often comes with the hassle of dealing with different currencies and unfamiliar payment methods. Indian tourists, in particular, have struggled with making seamless payments in foreign countries, often relying on cash or international credit cards that come with high fees.
This not only complicates the travel experience but also adds to the stress and cost of managing money abroad. Tourists frequently have to carry large sums of cash or face the unpredictability of exchange rates and transaction fees, which can lead to security concerns and budget issues.
The introduction of UPI payment across the UAE aims to solve these problems. UPI, India’s largest instant payment system with over 350 million active users, processed 14.04 billion transactions in May 2024 alone. Now, Indian travelers can use this secure and efficient payment method at various establishments, including retail stores, dining outlets, tourist attractions, and major malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
A Seamless Payment Experience
The collaboration between Network International and NIPL ensures that UPI will be accepted through Network’s extensive point-of-sales (POS) terminals. This QR-based payment method provides a safe and secure option for cross-border transactions, making it easier for Indian tourists to manage their finances while enjoying their stay in the UAE. Whether paying for a meal, buying souvenirs, or purchasing tickets for attractions, Indian tourists can now pay directly from their Indian bank accounts using UPI.
Expanding Digital Payments in the UAE
This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for tourism and commerce. With the number of Indian tourists to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries expected to reach 9.8 million in 2024, and the UAE anticipating 5.29 million visitors from India, the introduction of UPI payments is both timely and beneficial.
Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network, emphasized the importance of providing customers with their preferred payment methods. He stated, “Enabling customers to pay in their preferred method brings us closer to the vision of a digital UAE.” Jamal Al Nassai from Network highlighted this partnership as a milestone, noting the immense benefits their network stands to gain from this new payment method.
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Enhancing the Travel Experience
The seamless integration of UPI into the UAE’s payment infrastructure is set to significantly improve the travel experience for Indian tourists. This initiative simplifies financial transactions and promotes the use of innovative digital payment solutions on an international scale. Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International, remarked, “Our partnership with Network International will deepen UPI’s presence in the UAE. By growing UPI payment acceptance across merchants in the UAE, we are providing Indian travelers with a seamless and familiar payment experience.”
Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects
Earlier this year, a similar partnership with Dubai-based Mashreq Bank allowed Indian citizens to use the UPI-powered PhonePe app across Mashreq’s NEOPAY terminals. This move facilitated UPI payments at various retail stores, dining outlets, and tourist attractions, setting the stage for this broader rollout.
The collaboration between Network International and NIPL marks a significant milestone in cross-border financial technology integration. By leveraging UPI’s robust and secure payment infrastructure, the partnership aims to create a more inclusive and accessible payment ecosystem for Indian tourists in the UAE.
Enjoy UPI Payment in the UAE
The introduction of UPI payment in the UAE is set to transform the travel experience for Indian tourists. By providing a familiar, secure, and efficient payment method, this initiative removes the hassles of currency exchange and transaction fees, allowing tourists to focus on enjoying their visit. As the UAE continues to position itself as a global tourism and commerce hub, the integration of UPI payment underscores its commitment to enhancing visitor experience through innovative digital solutions.
With this groundbreaking development, Indian tourists can look forward to a more convenient and enjoyable stay in the UAE, making it a preferred destination for millions of travelers.
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