Indian travellers visiting Qatar can now make payments using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), following a new collaboration between NPCI International Payments, Qatar National Bank (QNB), and NETSTARS. This move allows seamless, real-time transactions without the need for cash or currency exchange.
Qatar Duty Free has become the first merchant in the country to accept UPI payments via QR code-enabled point-of-sale terminals. The rollout is expected to expand across other QNB and NETSTARS-powered outlets, enhancing convenience for Indian tourists.
As the second-largest group of international visitors to Qatar, Indian travellers will now be able to pay digitally across several locations, boosting retail activity and increasing transaction volumes for merchants.
How to Use UPI in Qatar:
Find a UPI-enabled outlet: Look for Qatar Duty Free or any merchant with POS terminals supported by QNB and NETSTARS
Open your UPI app: Use any preferred UPI app on your smartphone
Scan the QR code: Scan the merchant’s QR code displayed at the terminal
Enter the amount and pay: Authorise and complete the payment instantly
Benefits for Travellers and Merchants:
Indian visitors can pay digitally throughout Qatar without carrying cash
Merchants benefit from higher transaction volumes and increased customer reach
Reduces dependency on currency exchange, making travel more convenient
Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director and CEO of NPCI International, said, “This partnership with QNB enhances UPI’s global acceptance, helping Indian travellers make seamless transactions and reducing reliance on cash.”
Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB, added, “Introducing UPI in Qatar promotes cashless payments, benefits the tourism and retail sectors, and strengthens the payments ecosystem.”
Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer of Qatar Airways Group, said, “As the first entity in Qatar to enable UPI, Qatar Duty Free provides Indian travellers with a smooth, cashless retail experience at Hamad International Airport.”
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