India’s UPI Launches in Qatar, Bringing Instant Payments to Retail Stores

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has expanded its reach internationally, with Qatar now joining the list of countries where the digital payment platform is available. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI allows users to make instant, low-cost payments and has now been implemented at retail stores across Qatar.

Retail Payments Go Live

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The system first appeared at duty-free shops in Doha airport last September. Now, UPI is available at LuLu Hypermarket, the first major retail chain in Qatar to adopt the service. Qatar National Bank (QNB) has integrated QR code-based payments at point-of-sale terminals for participating merchants through NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL). The payments are powered by NETSTARS’ StarPay platform from Japan, which supports both local and international cashless transactions.

Expanding Globally

Qatar becomes the eighth country to adopt UPI, joining Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. Unlike earlier launches, which were mainly limited to airports or select locations, UPI in Qatar can now be used at major retail stores, making it accessible for daily shopping and routine payments.

Benefits for Consumers and Businesses

The launch of UPI in Qatar is expected to benefit the large Indian community in the country, which numbers over 8,30,000. Residents can make payments in real-time using the same UPI apps they use in India. This will reduce the cost and time involved in transferring money and make everyday purchases more convenient.

Businesses and merchants also stand to gain, as UPI’s instant payments can simplify transactions and encourage more Indians to shop at stores offering UPI services. The system may also help strengthen trade relations between India and Qatar by making cross-border payments smoother and more efficient.

UPI’s Growth in India

UPI has been a major driver of India’s digital payments ecosystem since its launch nine years ago. It now handles more than 640 million transactions daily, accounting for about 85% of all digital payments in India. The platform reached a major milestone on 22 September 2025, recording one billion transactions in a single day.

Conclusion

The introduction of UPI in Qatar is a major step in the platform’s international growth. By offering fast, secure, and low-cost payment options for both consumers and businesses, UPI strengthens India’s global digital footprint and provides greater convenience for Indians living abroad.