India is one of the top markets exporting tourism to the UAE. The Gulf state recorded more than 3.1 million Indian tourists in 2022 alone, an increase of 900,000 in number compared to that of 2021. These figures strongly bring into focus the expansion of UPI in UAE.
NPCI International Payments Limited has just announced a lot of progress in expanding India’s UPI acceptance across the UAE. This expansion supports the Emirati goal of enhancing cross-border payment experiences for millions of Indians in both India and the UAE.
More than 7 million Indians come to the UAE annually, making them the largest group of international visitors in the country. The Indian diaspora in the UAE is also expanding rapidly and UPI is set to transform the experience for the residents and tourists.
The Consulate & @NPCI_NPCI organized a media round-table to present its ongoing progress in expanding UPI acceptance across🇦🇪 & unveiled the next phase of its strategy to deepen the platform’s integration and strengthen the digital bridge between the two vibrant economies. pic.twitter.com/HWIKenHE5S
— India in Dubai (@cgidubai) July 10, 2025
Why UPI is a better option for Indian tourists in UAE
The UAE is going cashless. Dubai has announced a goal of getting 90% digital transactions by 2026. India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) can be one of the main support pillars to meeting this ambitious goal.
High-profile outlets, including Dubai Duty Free and Lulu Hypermarket, are already accepting UPI, making it easy for Indian customers to settle purchases directly from their Indian bank accounts. Things are expanding faster and you can expect more changes soon.
To accelerate the adoption of UPI in UAE, NPCI International is putting in considerable effort to enable the system in high-frequency sectors including retail, hospitality, entertainment and transportation. Isn’t it incredible?
UPI is important as the platform:
- supports real-time payments in Indian rupees
- displays transparent exchange rates
- uses safeguards such as transaction limits, 2-factor authentication and international usage controls issued by the Reserve Bank of India
Which places in UAE already accept UPI payments?
Since its 2016 debut, UPI has expanded at a significant rate. Today, Indian tourists can use the cashless interface in 7 countries, including France, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the UAE.
It is possible for Indian tourists to use UPI at more than 60,000 retail outlets in the UAE. The hub of tax free shopping in Dubai, Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International airport (DXB) has started accepting UPI payments.
There is no need for Indian tourists to manage currency exchange anymore. No need to carry cash in your pockets. This means the shopping experience at DDF for Indian tourists is as seamless as tap, pay and go (so simple).
Dubai Duty Free takes the lead in UPI payments
Dubai Duty Free is home to a broad range of shops featuring a unique selection of products. It is also open round-the-clock, ensuring tax-free shopping in the UAE. From luxury items to daily essentials, you can find it all at great prices.
Dubai Duty Free is also famous for running a number of offers and promotions from time to time. Keep an eye out for discounts and special deals during holidays and other important occasions. Check the official platform regularly for the latest deals.
Plenty of places in the UAE accept UPI and many more are expected to join the force soon. Imagine paying for your hotel room or your Metro ride using just a single tap on your smartphone. The system processed 16 billion transactions in December 2024 alone.
UPI in UAE: Important update for Indian expats in UAE
There is another important update for Indian expats in the UAE. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) no longer need an Indian mobile number to access UPI. The interface has been linked to international mobile numbers, including those issued in the UAE.
Scores of Indian banks are enabling UPI facilities for NRIs using international mobile numbers, including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Federal Bank, Punjab National Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank and more.
To use the platform, NRIs need to hold either a Non-Resident External or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account at the participating Indian bank. Make sure that the international number linked to this account is registered at the bank and the account’s KYC is completed.
Indian expatriates in the UAE can use UPI for a number of reasons, including paying Indian merchants directly, scanning Indian QR codes at the time of being abroad, and transferring money to Indian bank accounts or mobile numbers.
Dubai’s tourist-to-resident ratio: What does it mean?
It has just been found that the tourist-to-resident ratio in Dubai is much higher than in Paris and London. Tourism’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP is one of the highest, generating thousands of jobs and billions of dirhams in profits.
Dubai’s tourist-to-resident ratio could rise from 5.1:1 in 2023 to 6.9:1 in 2034 as the Emirate further strengthens its position as one of the best tourist destinations globally. There is so much to see and do in Dubai throughout the year.
Last year, Dubai attracted 18.72 million international visitors and a staggering 7.15 million people during the first 4 months of 2025, paving the path for yet another record year for tourism. Dubai’s population has also been increasing.
Dubai locals cherish the presence of foreigners
The Emirate has set a target of increasing its population to 7.8 million by 2040, from the current 3.973 million. The concept of ‘Overtourism’ is getting more pronounced in destinations like Bali in Indonesia and some parts of Europe, because of rising tourist numbers.
Is it the same case in Dubai, though? Probably not. Foreigners already account for more than 85% of Dubai’s population and locals cherish the presence of international tourists. In fact, more than 200 nationalities reside in the Emirate in harmony.
Dubai and all of the UAE are strongly promoting tourism, constantly updating their offerings to better attract people from different parts of the globe. In the coming days, the oil-rich Gulf state is expected to see a bigger increase in tourist numbers.
UPI in UAE: Final thoughts
India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is a game-changer in the field of cross-border transactions. Both Indian tourists and expats alike can reap the benefits of this platform, make payments at ease and keep the entire process as secure as possible.
Shopping in Dubai is a thing. You can find millions of tourists making trips to the Emirate each year just for the sake of shopping. Imagine the ease and seamlessness UPI transactions are going to bring as they expand in usage across the UAE, right?
Dubai is one of the best places to explore from India. The popularity of the Emirate among Indians is undeniable. Indian passport holders need a visa to explore Dubai and other Emirates in the UAE. You can find more details in our article.
E-visas can be obtained before departure at https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/HomePage.aspx for Dubai and https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/HomePage.aspx for other emirates. In addition to tourist visas, the UAE also issues a couple of Transit Visas – for 48 hours and 96 hours.
Transit visas cannot be extended. But it is absolutely possible to get a big hint of Dubai’s ambience and the real vibe in just 12 hours. Here is an article to explore Dubai in just 12 hours, if one gets a long layover at Dubai International airport (DXB).
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