NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the global arm of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has accelerated the expansion of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in the United Arab Emirates. The move deepens digital ties between the two countries, streamlining cross-border transactions and enhancing the UAE’s vision of becoming a cashless economy.
Building a Seamless Payment Experience for Indian Travellers
UPI, India’s real-time account-to-account payment system, processes over 18 billion transactions monthly. Known for its open architecture, mobile accessibility, and robust security, UPI is now being integrated into the UAE’s payment infrastructure. This integration benefits the more than seven million Indian travellers who visit the UAE each year by allowing them to make payments with the same apps they use at home.
According to His Excellency Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, “The experience of the Indian diaspora and Indian travellers to the UAE will never be the same after the complete integration of UPI with the UAE’s digital payments architecture. This seamless experience will revolutionise our bilateral financial transactions ecosystem.”
Strategic Partnerships Driving UPI Expansion
Over the past few years, NIPL has forged strategic alliances with key financial players in the UAE. Collaborations with NeoPay (Mashreq), Network International, and Magnati have facilitated QR-based UPI acceptance at major merchant outlets. Notable retailers such as Dubai Duty Free and Lulu Hypermarket already accept UPI payments directly from Indian bank accounts.
Mr Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NPCI International, remarked, “Our expansion in the UAE is a testament to the global confidence in India’s digital payment innovation. We are proud to empower businesses and consumers alike, while supporting the UAE’s vision for a digital economy.”
Strengthening Financial Integration Between India and UAE
NIPL is working alongside UAE regulators and acquirers to integrate UPI across high-frequency sectors such as retail, transportation, entertainment, and hospitality. The platform enables real-time payments in Indian rupees, displays transparent exchange rates, and adheres to RBI-compliant security protocols like two-factor authentication and transaction limits.
In line with Dubai’s goal of achieving 90% digital transactions by 2026, NIPL aims to enhance UPI availability across the country. Through sustained collaboration with UAE partners, the company is building a secure, scalable digital payments ecosystem that benefits consumers, merchants, and the broader economy.
