July 12, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: Indian travellers visiting the UAE are on the brink of a major convenience upgrade because of UPI in UAE. With the emergence of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) into the UAE’s payment system, Indian citizens can now onwards explore the country with just their mobile phones, no need to carry the burden of cash or credit cards.
This futuristic move led by India’s National Payments Corporation (NPCI) and its global arm, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), aims to create digital payments seamless for over 5 million annual Indian visitors and millions of NRIs living in the UAE.
Just a Phone and Passport, A New Normal for Indian Travellers
For years, Indian tourists had to rely on converting rupees into dirhams or using expensive international credit cards while travelling to the UAE. But thanks to UPI in UAE, all of that is changing.
“Soon, Indian travellers will be able to visit the UAE using just their passport and their mobile phone. They won’t need to carry cash or cards, they can experience Dubai and beyond, all through their UPI app.” said Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai
This defines that everyday payments like a ride fare from the airport, having breakfast at a restaurant, or even shopping can now be done using UPI, just like back home. And that’s not just for tourists, Indian expats too can use UPI in UAE to pay directly from their Indian accounts, making things smoother for students, professionals, and visiting families.
How UPI Integration is Expanding Across the UAE
To make this dream a reality, NIPL has partnered with key players in the UAE’s payment ecosystem, Magnati, NeoPay (by Mashreq), Network International, and Al Etihad Payments.
“We are proud to accelerate the adoption of UPI in UAE, which brings real-time payment convenience to millions of Indians here while strengthening the digital bridge between our two economies.” said Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International
More than 60,000 merchant stores across the UAE now accept UPI, and the number is expected to grow more. From a small grocery stores to luxury stores, visitors are just a scan away, scan a QR code and pay instantly using apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, or BHIM.
“Just today, I paid for breakfast, lunch, and coffee using UPI in Dubai. I didn’t touch my wallet once.”
said Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International. These are the kind of real-life experiences that show how the future of travel is being shaped where payments don’t add stress but bring comfort.
Changing Life for Tourists and the Indian Diaspora
UPI in UAE is not just a tech upgrade, it’s a lifestyle shift.
“I recently visited Abu Dhabi with my parents. They don’t use international cards, and managing currency was always a hassle. But with UPI, we paid for everything, taxis, meals, museum tickets without stress.”
said Rekha Sharma, Indian tourist visiting UAE for the first time.
With 5.5 million Indian tourists visiting the UAE in 2024 alone, this integration is expected to increase confidence among first-time travellers and older family members who often worry about carrying large amounts of cash or navigating foreign payment systems.
It’s also a great success for small businesses in the UAE that serve to Indian customers. From local cafés to street vendors and even merchants can now accept payments from Indian phones without needing foreign exchange setups or card terminals.
The Journey: From Payment to Partnership
This milestone reflects more than just financial convenience,it’s a symbol of growing cooperation between India and the UAE. The integration of UPI in UAE with the UAE’s own digital payment system, AANI, sets a global example for how two nations can align their fintech ecosystems for mutual benefit.
“This will truly revolutionise our financial ties and add to the series of economic firsts achieved between India and the UAE over the past decade.”
said Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai.
Looking forward, both countries aim to scale this success further. Whether it’s by spreading use of UPI into sectors like education, public transport, or healthcare or enabling rupee-based shopping in more outlets, UPI in UAE is just getting it’s hands on it and for Indian visitors, the message is clear that your phone is now your wallet even when you’re abroad.
Travel Smarter, Spend Easier
With the launch of UPI in UAE is not just a fintech milestone, it’s a human ease. For millions of Indian tourists and residents, it promises a simpler, safer, and smarter way to use and carry their money.
Take a passport and a phone with only two things, Indian travellers can now explore the UAE with confidence and convenience, creating unforgettable memories without the worry of currency. UPI in UAE is no longer a future vision, it’s today’s reality and it’s changing the way Indians experience the world.
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