UPI Goes Global: NPCI Expands Digital Payments in UAE

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has taken a major leap in globalizing India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by advancing its implementation across the United Arab Emirates. The initiative is part of an ongoing strategy to deepen digital financial connectivity between India and the UAE as both countries push for greater cashless transaction adoption.

Boosting UAE's Vision for a Cashless Economy

The move complements the UAE government’s ambitious objective of reaching 90% digital transactions by 2026, creating opportunities to streamline payments for millions of Indians who travel to the Gulf nation each year. With over 18 billion UPI transactions processed monthly, the platform has become a global benchmark in real-time digital payment infrastructure.

India-UAE Travel & Remittance Corridor: A Natural Fit

According to the Ministry of Tourism, over seven million Indians visit the UAE annually, marking India as the largest source of international tourists to the Emirates. This influx of travelers highlights the demand for familiar, seamless, and secure mobile payment options across sectors like retail, transport, and hospitality.

Statement from Indian Diplomat

“The experience of Indian diaspora and travelers to the UAE will be revolutionized after complete integration of UPI with the UAE’s digital payments architecture,” said Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai. He praised NPCI International’s proactive approach with local banks, merchants, and payment platforms to deliver smooth payment experiences.

Key Partnerships Paving the Way for UPI Adoption

NIPL has cemented its presence through collaborations with major players in the UAE financial ecosystem:

✅ Strategic Alliances Include:

• NeoPay (Mashreq Bank)

• Network International

• Magnati

These partnerships have enabled QR code-based UPI payments at high-footfall merchants such as Dubai Duty Free and Lulu Hypermarket, allowing Indian travelers to make purchases using their Indian bank accounts directly.

NPCI International CEO Speaks

“This milestone brings unparalleled convenience to millions of Indian travelers and residents while strengthening the digital bridge between the two economies,” said Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NPCI International.
“It shows growing global confidence in India’s digital payment innovations and supports the UAE’s cashless economy vision through seamless, secure, and real-time payment capabilities.”

Expanding Into High-Frequency Sectors

To ensure rapid UPI adoption, NIPL is actively working with UAE regulators and acquiring banks to roll out the service across sectors such as:

Targeted Sectors:

• Retail & Malls

• Restaurants & Hospitality

• Transport & Mobility

• Entertainment & Events

• Essential Services

The system enables real-time Indian rupee payments, ensures transparent currency conversion, and adheres to RBI-issued transaction limits, 2FA, and cross-border payment controls.

Driving Digital Integration & Bilateral Financial Synergy

This initiative not only promotes ease of payments for Indian users but also equips UAE merchants with access to a tech-savvy consumer base. The interoperable and secure UPI architecture makes it easier to integrate with local financial systems while aligning with international regulatory norms.

About NPCI International

Formed in April 2020, NPCI International is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It aims to export India's digital payment expertise globally, offering technological support, consulting, and infrastructure to countries looking to upgrade their payment ecosystems.

Conclusion

By leveraging the robust and scalable infrastructure of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and establishing strategic collaborations with key financial entities in the UAE, NPCI International is effectively bridging two influential economies—India and the United Arab Emirates.

This cross-border digital payments initiative not only enhances financial convenience for millions of Indian travelers, residents, and businesses in the UAE but also aligns seamlessly with the Emirates' ambitious goal of transitioning to a cashless economy by 2026. The initiative empowers merchants in the UAE to tap into a digitally savvy consumer base from India, while Indian users can enjoy familiar, secure, and real-time payment options abroad.

With QR-based UPI acceptance growing across retail, hospitality, and essential services, this effort marks a major step toward globalizing India’s digital payment expertise. As the partnership deepens, UPI is poised to become a cornerstone in reshaping international commerce, driving innovation, transparency, and financial inclusion.