UPI on Global Streak: Qatar Joins as 8th Country Accepting Indian Digital Payments
UPI on Global Streak: Qatar Joins List of Countries Accepting UPI Payments
Kolkata, Sept 27 (Digital Preeyam News – World News):
India’s digital revolution is spreading worldwide! In a major milestone for cross-border digital payments, Qatar has become the 8th country to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This expansion allows Indian travelers to make real-time, cashless payments in Qatar, starting with Qatar Duty Free outlets at Hamad International Airport.
The move marks a significant leap for “UPI on Global streak”, making it easier for millions of Indians traveling abroad to conduct seamless transactions without the hassle of currency exchange or international cards.
🔑 Key Details of UPI on Global Streak: Expansion in Qatar
Partnership: NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, partnered with Qatar National Bank (QNB) to roll out UPI acceptance.
Technology: The service is powered by NETSTARS’ QR-based payment solution, enabling point-of-sale transactions for QNB-acquired merchants.
First Rollout: Qatar Duty Free at Hamad International Airport is the first merchant to go live, offering Indian visitors an instant UPI-enabled shopping experience.
Future Expansion: More QNB-affiliated merchants across Qatar are expected to adopt UPI in the coming months.
Why This Matters: Benefits for Travelers and Qatar as UPI on Global Streak Expands
For Indian Travelers: No need for forex conversion or card payments. With UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm, Indians can now make purchases effortlessly during trips to Qatar.
For Qatar: With Indians forming the second-largest group of international visitors, this integration will boost retail and tourism, while supporting Qatar’s vision of a cashless economy.
For UPI: This step strengthens UPI’s global journey, adding another country to its international footprint.
UPI on Global Streak: Countries That Accept UPI Payments
India’s UPI is fast becoming a recognized global payments system. With Qatar’s inclusion, the list now stands at eight countries:
| S. No. | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bhutan |
| 2 | France |
| 3 | Mauritius |
| 4 | Nepal |
| 5 | Singapore |
| 6 | Sri Lanka |
| 7 | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| 8 | Qatar |
Expert Insights on UPI on Global Streak: Understanding Its Global Reach and Impact
Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NIPL, said that the partnership with QNB reflects India’s goal of creating a truly interoperable global payment network. He emphasized that Indian travelers will now enjoy secure, seamless transactions abroad, reducing reliance on cash.
Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB, welcomed the move, calling it a “game-changer” for local merchants and travelers alike. He highlighted how the initiative will boost Qatar’s retail ecosystem and attract more Indian customers with hassle-free digital payments.
Final Thoughts: UPI’s Growing International Footprint
The adoption of UPI in Qatar marks another proud step in India’s digital journey. As UPI on Global streak continues, more countries are expected to join, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in financial technology innovation.
For Indian travelers, this means smoother journeys abroad. For partner nations, it means stronger retail growth and closer ties with one of the world’s largest consumer bases.
Stay tuned with Digital Preeyam News – World News for the latest updates on international finance, digital innovations, and India’s growing global influence.
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Writer:
Preeyam Kumar Prasad
(Digital Preeyam)
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What does ‘UPI on Global Streak’ mean?
Answer: ‘UPI on Global Streak’ refers to the rapid international expansion of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), now accepted in multiple countries including Qatar.
2. Which countries currently accept UPI payments?
Answer: As of now, UPI is accepted in Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE, and Qatar.
3. How will UPI benefit Indian travelers in Qatar?
Answer: Indian travelers can use their UPI apps for seamless, real-time payments in Qatar, starting with Qatar Duty Free outlets at Hamad International Airport.
4. Which organizations partnered to launch UPI in Qatar?
Answer: The initiative is led by NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) in partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB), powered by NETSTARS’ QR-based solution.
5. Is UPI in Qatar limited to airports only?
Answer: Currently, it is live at Qatar Duty Free, but more QNB-acquired merchants are expected to accept UPI in the coming months.
6. Why is UPI adoption significant for Qatar?
Answer: Since Indians are the second-largest group of international visitors to Qatar, UPI adoption will boost the retail and tourism sectors while supporting Qatar’s shift to a cashless economy.
7. What is the future of UPI on the global stage?
Answer: UPI is set to expand to more countries, creating a truly interoperable global payments system and strengthening India’s role in international fintech.
