UPI now accepted in Qatar: How Indian travellers can make cashless payments at Qatar Duty Free

Indian travellers visiting Qatar can now pay using Unified Payments Interface (UPI), thanks to a collaboration between NPCI International Payments (NIPL), Qatar National Bank (QNB), and NETSTARS.

Qatar Duty Free became the first merchant in the country to go live with UPI payments through QR code-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminals.

Indians are the second largest group of international visitors to Qatar, and this initiative allows them to carry out real-time transactions without carrying cash or dealing with currency exchange hassles. The rollout is expected to boost retail and tourism sectors in Qatar, increasing transaction volumes for QNB-acquired merchants.

How to use UPI in Qatar?

• Locate a UPI-enabled merchant: Look for Qatar Duty Free outlets or other POS terminals powered by QNB and NETSTARS.


• Open your UPI app: Use your preferred app on your smartphone.


• Scan the QR code: Scan the merchant’s QR code displayed at the POS.


• Enter the amount and authorise payment: Complete the transaction securely in real time.

Benefits for travellers and merchants

• Indian travellers can make digital payments across Qatar.


• Merchants benefit from higher transaction volumes and attract more customers.


• Cashless payments reduce dependency on currency exchange, enhancing convenience.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, 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, QNB, said, “Introducing UPI in Qatar promotes cashless payments, benefits the tourism and retail sectors, and strengthens the payments ecosystem.”

Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer, 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.”