By Kavita Mistry 
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 Dubai, full UPI integration in the UAE is underway. Once completed, Indian 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 2024, underscoring 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 transactions, benefitting not just tourists but also NRIs and business travellers.
This India-UAE digital partnership could become a model for global financial interoperability, offering 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 convenience, making travel more connected and hassle-free.
Digital India is now going global, and UPI is leading the way.