Connect with us

Travel Guides & Articles

India And UAE Revolutionize Payments With UPI Integration, Creating A Seamless Digital Experience

Published

on


Friday, July 11, 2025

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International Payments Limited (NIPL), the overseas subsidiary of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has made remarkable efforts at increasing the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the UAE. As a result of millions of Indians visiting the UAE every year and the nation’s increasing drive for a cashless economy, the growth represents an important breakthrough, reaping benefits for consumers as well as businesses across international boundaries.

UPI, India’s real-time, account-to-account payment system, has transformed the payment process in India. Processing a staggering 18 billion transactions per month, UPI is among the largest digital payment systems globally. UPI enables instantaneous, secure, and seamless transactions through mobile applications, giving users a convenient and easy method to make and receive transactions. Due to the open architecture and strong security features of the UPI system, it can conform to global regulatory landscapes, such as the UAE.

The UAE is one of India’s major travel and remittance corridors. Indians are the largest overseas group of visitors to the UAE, with the Ministry of Tourism of India recording that seven million Indians visit the UAE annually. UPI’s introduction into the UAE’s payment infrastructure has the potential to simplify the travel process of these visitors, allowing them to process transactions through the same mobile applications used back in India. This allows Indian visitors to enjoy a convenient, secure, and familiar method of payment while reducing the use of cash, speeding up transactions, and reducing costs for firms.

UAE’s Initiative Towards a Cashless Economy and the Role of UPI

The UAE has set an ambitious target of achieving 90% digital transactions by 2026, a goal that aligns perfectly with NPCI International’s efforts to scale UPI in the country. To achieve this vision, the UAE government has been working on developing and integrating digital payment platforms that can cater to a wide range of sectors, including retail, hospitality, transportation, and more. The introduction of UPI as part of this vision provides a seamless digital payment solution for both businesses and consumers.

It was a privilege to have His Excellency Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India, Dubai, express his enthusiasm about the increasing penetration of UPI into the UAE. “Indian diaspora and Indian tourist travel experience to the UAE will never remain the same again following the full integration of UPI with the UAE’s digital payment infrastructure. I am happy to note that NIPL is taking aggressive initiatives to deliver a seamless Indian clientele experience through cooperation with merchant entities, payment solution partners, and banks in the UAE.”

A Growing Network of Partners and Collaborations

In the last couple of years, NIPL has established a solid base for UPI in the UAE by forming alliances with major financial institutions and payment system providers. Key alliances include alliances with NeoPay (Mashreq), Network International, and Magnati, which have facilitated UPI QR-based transactions over a fast-growing merchant network.

Dubai Duty-Free and Lulu Hypermarket, flagship retail stores, have already onboarded UPI payment systems, enabling Indian consumers to directly make payments through their Indian bank accounts. Such a partnership reflects the increasing uptake of UPI by the UAE and shows the platform’s ability to further simplify cross-border transactions, enabling wider convenience for both businesses and consumers.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International, shared his pride about the contributions of the company to speeding up UPI adoption in the UAE. “We are delighted to speed up the adoption of UPI in the UAE, a feat that not only delivers unprecedented convenience to millions of Indian visitors but fortifies the digital connection between our two economies as well. By facilitating seamless, secure, and real-time transactions, we are empowering consumers and merchants alike. Our foray into the UAE marks new benchmarks for cross-border financial interconnectedness and complements the UAE’s mission of a cashless economy.”

Way Forward: Expansion of UPI in Strategic Areas

As part of the next phase, NPCI International is actively engaging with the regulators, acquirers, and stakeholders of the industry in the UAE to promote UPI adoption among the broad-based, high-frequency segments such as retail, hospitality, entertainment, transportation, and core services. Through a sector-specific strategy, UPI can realize its full potential across various segments, enabling seamless payment transactions for the benefit of users and optimizing business operations.

One of the key features of UPI is its support for real-time payments in Indian rupees, which is beneficial for both consumers and merchants. The platform also provides transparent exchange rates, enabling businesses to offer competitive pricing and enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, UPI incorporates safeguards like two-factor authentication, transaction limits, and international usage controls, ensuring that transactions are secure and compliant with global standards.

A Promising Future for Digital Payments in UAE and Beyond

The payment system of the UAE is experiencing a transformation, and NPCI International has a role to play in shaping the transformation. NPCI International’s endeavors to promote the adoption of UPI in the UAE are a reflection of the growing trust in the payment infrastructure of India and its compatibility with the international market. By developing a seamless, secure, and cross-border payment system, NIPL seeks to strengthen collaborations and usher in the age of digital transformation. With increasing adoption of UPI in the UAE, it will have a profound impact in terms of payment convenience for both UAE-based businesses as well as Indian visitors. India-UAE cooperation is paving the way for a new age of financial digital connectivity that will positively impact millions of people and enterprises across the border.

(Source: NPCI International, Government of India, Government of UAE)



Source link

Travel Guides & Articles

‘We Cannot Go To Pakistan But He Can’

Published

on


Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday took a fresh swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mocking his frequent foreign visits and specifically highlighting his surprise stopover in Pakistan’s Lahore in 2015 to meet the then Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.

“It seems that when the PM is flying in his plane, he looks down and asks, ‘Which country is that?’ When told it’s so-and-so, he says, ‘No worries, we will reach an hour late where we are going; let’s land here now.’ He decides to land just anywhere. That’s how he landed in Pakistan too,” Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said in Punjabi in the state assembly on Friday, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“The PM decided, just like that, to visit Pakistan. He had biryani and came back. We cannot go to Pakistan, but he can land there!” Mann added.

ALSO REAAD: Gujarat Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain To Drench Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Navsari And Valsad Till July 17

MEA Slams Punjab CM Over ‘Irresponsible’ Remarks

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday criticised CM Bhagwant Mann for his remarks on the foreign trips of PM Modi. While disassociating itself from the remarks, the MEA stated that the statement from the Punjab chief minister was “irresponsible” and “regrettable”.

Bhagwant Mann, while taking a jibe at PM Modi’s foreign visits, stated that the prime minister is visiting countries with populations less than even 10,000. PM Modi on Thursday returned to India after his five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

“We have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India’s relations with friendly countries from the Global South. These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove the state authority,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.

“The Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India’s ties with friendly countries,” he added.

ALSO READ: What Is ‘Diyah’ Or ‘Blood Money’, Sharia Law That Could Save Indian Nurse Nimisha Priya From Execution In Yemen

“Don’t I have the right to ask about the country’s foreign policy and what did he do there? Why does Adani’s business start wherever he (PM) goes? I will continue to ask in the future as well. With 140 crore people in the country, he should engage with them and address their concerns. He says he will stop the Ukraine war (Ukraine-Russia), but he can’t even resolve water issues between Punjab and Haryana,” Mann told reporters on MEA condemning his statements on PM Modi’s five-nation visit.



Source link

Continue Reading

Travel Guides & Articles

Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And It Is Healing People In Unexpected Ways

Published

on


Rishikesh Is Slowly Replacing Goa And Kerala As India’s Most Popular Tourist Spot And We Will Tell You Why. (Image: Canva)

For years, destinations like Goa and Kerala have been on top of India’s travel map. Attracting people for their beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture, these two destinations have been a complete delight for tourists. However, in the recent years, a shift has been seen – one which has positioned Rishikesh as the new favourite among travellers, especially those who are seeking more than just a vacation.

Being a small town which is located along the banks of Ganga river in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has been luring all sorts of travellers – from spiritual seekers to adventure junkies and from digital nomads to slow travellers.

Popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital Of The World’, Rishikesh is popular amongst Indians and foreigners alike as many priests, sages and real yogis live there. The city is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, which may seem unbelievable, considering its tourist footfall. Most rainfall is expected between July and August so its always better to visit the city before or after.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

Why Is Everyone Travelling To Rishikesh?

One of the primary reasons for Rishikesh’s growing popularity is its spiritual aura. This place, for a long time, has attracted seekers of inner peace and balance. Every year, thousands visit ashrams and wellness retreats for authentic yoga teacher training programs, meditation workshops, and Ayurveda-inspired healing practices.

Unlike the commercial yoga studios found in bigger cities, Rishikesh offers a more grounded and traditional approach. Whether you are staying for a weekend retreat or a month-long course, there is something about this place which will heal you from within. The daily Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, the chants that echo through the hills create a spiritual atmosphere that is both calming and transformative.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

This is not it. Rishikesh is also a magnet for adventure tourism. From white-water rafting on the Ganga river to cliff jumping, zip-lining, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding Himalayas, the town offers a bizarre adrenaline rush like no other.

Additionally, sustainability and conscious tourism are also two major factors that have contributed into an increase in number of tourists. Many eco-stays, homestays, and retreats here are now offering low-impact and environmentally responsible lodging options. There is also a growing emphasis on clean eating and mindful consumption.

File photo of Rishikesh. (Image: Canva)

Last but not the least, accessibility has played an important role too. With the new Char Dham highway project and an improved connectivity from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, travelling to Rishikesh has become easier than ever.





Source link

Continue Reading

Travel Guides & Articles

OTOAI Convention kicks off in Moscow; focus on boosting India-Russia bilateral tourism

Published

on


The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) began its convention in Moscow, bringing together industry leaders to explore opportunities for tourism cooperation between India and Russia.

This is also the first time that Indian delegates will get a chance to explore Russia and its tourism offerings, since the nation is a relatively new outbound market. India and Russia have always enjoyed friendly relations, and the recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has only improved diplomatic ties.

Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, expressed optimism about the growing potential for tourism between the two nations. He was keen to host the convention in Russia, and preparations were underway since two years. “India is a sleeping giant for Russia, and we expect explosive growth in Indian tourists visiting Russia in the coming years,” he said.

Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, welcomed the OTOAI delegation and highlighted Moscow’s appeal as a premier destination for business tourism and MICE events. “We are excited to work with OTOAI to promote tourism between our countries and showcase Moscow’s rich cultural heritage,” he said. Kozlov is happy that besides Moscow the convention delegates will also be exploring St. Petersburg, the second capital of Russia.

The convention is witnessing the participation of 200-250 delegates from OTOAI, who will engage with Russian tourism stakeholders to promote outbound tourism from India to Russia. The event aims to strengthen India-Russia tourism ties and unlock new opportunities for growth and development in the sector.

Kozlov believes that a big-ticket event of this nature being hosted in Russia will only aid in promoting, Moscow and Delhi as partner cities.

With India emerging as a key outbound market for Russia, the OTOAI convention in Moscow is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of tourism cooperation between the two nations.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending