New Delhi: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continues to revolutionize digital payments, now extending its reach into the Middle East with significant adoption across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Launched in India in 2016, UPI has facilitated over ₹20 trillion in transactions. With its latest expansions into Qatar and Oman, Indian expatriates and tourists can now enjoy seamless payment experiences while abroad.
- UPI’s Growing Footprint: GCC Nations Join the Global Network
- UAE: A Key Player in UPI’s Middle Eastern Expansion
- Oman: Strengthening Cross-Border Remittances
- Qatar: Enabling Seamless Payments for Indian Tourists
- Saudi Arabia: A Step Toward Seamless Cross-Border Transactions
- Real-World Application: Enhancing the Payment Experience for Indian Travelers
- Bankerpedia’s Insight 💡
- What Does This Mean for Me? 🤔
- Research References 📚
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UPI’s Growing Footprint: GCC Nations Join the Global Network
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has emerged as one of the most powerful fintech innovations. By the end of September 2024, UPI transactions crossed a staggering ₹20 trillion. Designed for swift and secure transactions, UPI allows users to transfer funds without needing to share sensitive banking details.
As part of its international expansion strategy, NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) is aiming to make UPI available in 20 countries by FY29. So far, UPI has successfully penetrated 12 global markets, including major countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. The GCC region has become a significant player in this initiative, with UPI now operational in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
Since its launch in select Middle Eastern countries in 2022, UPI’s footprint has broadened, creating invaluable opportunities for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian tourists alike. As more banks come on board to support UPI, additional nations are anticipated to join the network soon.
UAE: A Key Player in UPI’s Middle Eastern Expansion
The UAE holds the distinction of being the first GCC nation to implement UPI payments, launching in 2022 through the NeoPay app. This innovative platform allows Indian expatriates to conduct transactions conveniently without an Indian SIM card. Updates rolled out in 2025 further enhanced user experience by enabling NRIs to access UPI with just their international mobile numbers.
With UPI accepted at retail outlets, supermarkets, and popular tourist destinations such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, Indian tourists—projected to reach approximately 5.29 million by 2024—are set to benefit enormously from this cashless payment method. UPI provides an easy route to value for Indian nationals, facilitating transactions without the hassles of cash or international credit cards.
Oman: Strengthening Cross-Border Remittances
In 2023, Oman joined the list of UPI-adopting nations, marking a key milestone with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NPCI, NIPL, and the Central Bank of Oman (CBO). This agreement allows for immediate cross-border transactions and the use of RuPay cards within Oman’s financial systems.
With a substantial Indian population residing in Oman, the introduction of UPI serves as a vital tool for efficient remittances, allowing Indian expatriates to send funds back home seamlessly.
Qatar: Enabling Seamless Payments for Indian Tourists
Qatar, another significant player in UPI’s Gulf expansion, initiated its UPI services in 2023. By integrating UPI into its digital payment ecosystem, the nation aims to elevate the shopping experience for Indian tourists. Apps like Google Pay and PhonePe facilitate payments at retail locations and attractions, enhancing visitors’ convenience.
Recent collaborations, such as those between NPCI and Qatar National Bank, are expected to amplify UPI acceptance, progressively transforming Qatar into a cashless economy. As of September 2025, additional partnerships—like one with the Commercial Bank of Qatar—will make UPI QR code payments available at more merchants, greatly benefiting Indian tourists.
Saudi Arabia: A Step Toward Seamless Cross-Border Transactions
The Saudi Arabian market completed the GCC’s involvement with UPI, allowing Indian expats in the kingdom to link their local mobile numbers with Indian bank accounts for seamless transactions. Like their counterparts in the UAE, Indian citizens can use UPI apps linked to NRE/NRO accounts without having to switch to Indian SIM cards. This capability significantly simplifies cross-border remittances and everyday transactions for Indian nationals.
Real-World Application: Enhancing the Payment Experience for Indian Travelers
For Indian tourists embarking on trips to the UAE, Qatar, or Oman, UPI serves as a game-changer. By directly linking their international mobile numbers to their NRE or NRO bank accounts, travelers can easily conduct transactions via recognized UPI apps. The ease of this system reduces the need to carry cash or face the hassle of currency exchange—making every shopping experience, dining outing, or entertainment decision straightforward.
For instance, an Indian family visiting Dubai can utilize UPI to pay for their hotel, enjoy meals, and shop in local markets with a simple scan of a QR code through their favorite payment apps. Given the expected rise in Indian visitors—5.29 million to the UAE alone—these advancements solidify UPI’s role in easing financial transactions.
| Country | Year UPI Launched | Key Features | Transactions Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 2022 | Link international numbers | Retail, Tourism |
| Oman | 2023 | Real-time Remittances | ATM, POS, E-commerce |
| Qatar | 2023 | UPI Apps Integration | Retail, Attractions |
| Saudi Arabia | 2023 | Link local and Indian numbers | Cross-border Remittances |
The RBI recognizes UPI’s transformative potential in the Indian and global digital finance landscape. As NIPL continues to forge partnerships with financial institutions worldwide, the platform is set to redefine not just how Indians transact at home but also how they do so abroad. As this payment system grows, it stimulates not only the Indian economy but also paves the way for enhanced global financial connectivity.
Bankerpedia’s Insight 💡
The expansion of UPI into GCC countries marks a significant leap for India’s banking and finance sector, enhancing digital transactions for millions of NRIs and tourists. This innovation strengthens India’s position in the global fintech landscape and promises economic growth through easier remittances and increased spending by Indian tourists abroad. For readers, leveraging UPI can simplify transactions while traveling—eliminating the hassle of currency conversion and providing a secure, familiar payment method. Stay informed about UPI’s capabilities to maximize its benefits during international travels.
What Does This Mean for Me? 🤔
| If I am a… | The Impact is… |
|---|---|
| Salaried Person | Easier international transactions for Indian salaried employees abroad. |
| Business Owner | Increased payment options for customers abroad, boosting sales. |
| Student | Easier digital transactions for students abroad, enhancing convenience. |
| Self-employed | Faster, easier payments in the Middle East region. |
| Homemaker | Easier online transactions for household expenses abroad. |
| Retiree / Senior Citizen | Easier transactions for seniors traveling or living abroad. |
| Job Seeker | Easier transactions for job seekers in Gulf countries. |
| Farmer / Rural Citizen | Easier international transactions and remittances for farmers. |
Research References 📚
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