Qatar National Bank (QNB), the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has signed an agreement with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to enable QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) merchant payments across Qatar.
QNB’s collaboration with NIPL marks a significant milestone in introducing UPI payment acceptance in Qatar. This initiative aims to enhance the payment experience for Indian tourists visiting and transiting through Qatar by allowing them to use their preferred UPI payment method at various retail stores, tourist attractions, leisure sites, duty-free shops, and hotels.
Local merchants in Qatar are expected to benefit from this innovative payment solution. Adopting UPI payments will streamline the payment and checkout process, offering a faster and more convenient experience for customers. This enhancement in service is poised to attract and cater to the growing number of international travelers, thereby boosting sales and fostering business growth.
Adel Ali Al Malki, Senior Executive Vice President of QNB Group Retail Banking, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to set a new standard in innovation within the region. He highlighted that this digital payment solution will revolutionize transactions, elevate the travel experience, and empower local merchants to thrive in a dynamic and increasingly digital marketplace.
Anubhav Sharma, Deputy Chief – Partnerships and Business Development at NPCI International, underscored the benefits of enabling UPI acceptance in Qatar. He emphasized simplifying transactions for Indian travelers and enhancing the travel experience abroad, while also enabling Qatari merchants to access a broader customer base and improve payment efficiency.

