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Traveling to the UAE may soon become even easier for Indians — thanks to the upcoming integration of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem. Indian visitors could soon make purchases, book cabs, or dine at restaurants using just their smartphones.

Smartphones, Not Cash, Will Power Your Next Trip

According to the Consulate General of India in Dubaifull UPI integration in the UAE is underway. Once completedIndian tourists and expats may not need to carry cash or local cards — just a passport and a mobile phone with UPI-enabled apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm.

A Boon for 5.5 Million Indian Tourists

The development comes on the heels of 5.5 million Indian tourists visiting the UAE in 2024underscoring the strong travel ties between the two nations. With so many visitors, frictionless financial transactions will significantly enhance travel convenience and safety.

NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the global arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, is spearheading the initiative to promote UPI adoption globally. UAE is one of its most strategic markets due to the large Indian diaspora and vibrant tourism sector.

UPI Meets AANI: A New Era in Fintech Diplomacy

The integration will link India’s UPI with the UAE’s Aani platform — the national instant payments system. This would allow real-time cross-border transactionsbenefitting not just tourists but also NRIs and business travellers.

This India-UAE digital partnership could become a model for global financial interoperabilityoffering faster, cheaper, and secure payment alternatives to traditional card systems.

Seamless, Secure & Smart Payments Await

From shopping malls in Dubai to cafés in Abu Dhabi, Indian travellers may soon pay in rupees via UPI — without worrying about forex rates or ATM charges. It’s a smart shift to digital conveniencemaking travel more connected and hassle-free.

Digital India is now going globaland UPI is leading the way.