NPCI international partners with Network International to expand UPI acceptance in UAE

UPI QR codes will now be easily available across the UAE and Middle East, making digital payments easier as NPCI International collaborators with Network International (Network), a major player in digital commerce accords Middle East and Africa

QR code-based UPI payments via Network’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UAE. UPI acceptance will be rolled out progressively in for retail use and will ensure seamless and secure transactions for Indian tourists and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

“By growing UPI payment acceptance across merchants in the UAE, we are not only providing Indian travellers with a seamless and familiar payment experience, but also promoting the use of innovative digital payment solutions internationally”, said Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International.


The number of Indian tourists travelling to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is projected at 9.8 million in 2024, with the UAE anticipating 5.29 million arrivals from India, a release from NPCI said.

The government, the Reserve Bank of India and NPCI international have been pushing for global acceptance of UPI and partnering with numerous countries for faster digital payments. UPI is officially accepted in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, UAE, Singapore, France and Bhutan.