Dubai Duty Free Accepts UPI Payments: Indian Travellers Get 10% Discount on Eligible Purchases

Indian travellers can now use UPI at participating Dubai Duty Free outlets and enjoy a 10% discount, making international airport shopping more convenient and affordable.

Dubai Duty Free Now Accepts UPI Payments, Indian Travellers Can Get 10% Discount

Indian travellers visiting Dubai can now enjoy a more convenient shopping experience as Dubai Duty Free has started accepting payments through India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at participating outlets. The facility allows passengers to make payments directly through eligible Indian bank accounts linked to their UPI applications.

The announcement was made by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), on November 5, 2026.

Along with the new payment facility, eligible customers can also receive a 10% discount on qualifying purchases, subject to a maximum discount of AED100.

The development is expected to make digital payments easier for Indian passengers while strengthening UPI's international presence.

Indian Travellers Can Now Pay Through UPI at Dubai Duty Free

Under the new arrangement, Indian visitors can use their UPI-enabled mobile applications to purchase products at participating Dubai Duty Free payment terminals.

Instead of relying entirely on cash, foreign currency or international cards, travellers can pay directly from eligible Indian bank accounts.

The facility is available at participating Dubai Duty Free outlets at:

• Dubai International Airport.

• Al Maktoum International Airport.

Dubai Duty Free serves international passengers travelling through these airports, making it an important retail destination for visitors from India and other countries.

Network International to Facilitate UPI Transactions

Network International will act as the acquiring partner for the initiative.

The company will support UPI payment acceptance across participating Dubai Duty Free payment terminals, enabling Indian travellers to complete transactions using their supported UPI applications.

How Can Indian Travellers Activate UPI for International Payments?

Travellers must activate the international payment facility before using UPI outside India.

The service is generally available through supported UPI applications under options such as UPI International or UPI Global.

To make payments at Dubai Duty Free, customers should follow these steps:

1. Open a UPI-enabled application that supports international transactions.

2. Locate the UPI International or UPI Global payment option.

3. Activate the facility for international payments.

4. Ensure that the application is linked to an eligible Indian bank account.

5. Visit a participating Dubai Duty Free payment counter.

6. Scan the supported payment QR code or follow the payment instructions displayed at the terminal.

7. Check the transaction details and authorise the payment.

Customers should confirm that their bank account and UPI application support international transactions before travelling.

UPI Payments Offer 10% Discount at Dubai Duty Free

One of the biggest attractions of the initiative is the promotional discount available to eligible Indian travellers. Customers making qualifying purchases through UPI at participating Dubai Duty Free terminals can receive a 10% discount.

However, the maximum discount is limited to AED100 per eligible purchase, subject to the promotional terms and conditions.

How Much Can Customers Save?

The discount structure can be understood through the following examples:

For purchases worth AED1,000 or more, the maximum discount remains AED100.

The offer is applicable only to qualifying transactions at participating terminals. Travellers should check the applicable conditions before completing their purchases.

What Does the UPI Partnership Mean for Indian Travellers?

The introduction of UPI payments at Dubai Duty Free provides Indian passengers with another convenient option for making international purchases.

Travellers who already use UPI for everyday transactions in India can access a familiar digital payment method while shopping overseas, provided their bank and application support international UPI payments.

The facility can also reduce dependence on carrying physical cash and exchanging currency specifically for smaller purchases.

However, customers should check the applicable foreign exchange conversion rates, bank charges and transaction limits before making payments.

UPI's International Expansion Gains Momentum

The Dubai Duty Free partnership is part of NPCI International Payments Limited's broader efforts to expand the acceptance of India's digital payment infrastructure in overseas markets.

UPI has become one of India's most widely used digital payment systems, enabling quick and convenient bank-to-bank transactions.

By extending its acceptance to international retail destinations, NIPL aims to make cross-border digital payments more accessible for Indian travellers.

The latest arrangement also strengthens Dubai's retail payment ecosystem by introducing an additional payment option for passengers visiting its international airports.

Conclusion

The introduction of UPI payments at Dubai Duty Free is a welcome development for Indian travellers visiting the UAE. With a 10% discount of up to AED100 on eligible purchases, the facility offers additional savings and convenience. The partnership between NIPL, Dubai Duty Free and Network International also represents another step towards expanding India's digital payment ecosystem internationally.