NPCI, the National Payments Corporation of India, is rewriting the story of digital payments worldwide. What began as a domestic payment solution has now grown into a global brand. Today, Qatar joins this journey, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Commercial Bank.
Commercial Bank has signed a strategic agreement with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, to enable UPI QR code acceptance across its merchant network in Qatar. This milestone expands the reach of UPI and strengthens its role as a trusted enabler of seamless cross-border payments.
NPCI Extends Its Global Influence
UPI has become India’s most popular digital payment tool, processing more than 20 billion transactions each month as of August 2025. Its strength lies in simplicity, speed, and trust. By bringing UPI to Qatar, NPCI is creating a bridge between two vibrant markets.
Indian travellers visiting Qatar will now be able to pay through the same system they rely on back home. From shopping in retail outlets to dining in restaurants or booking hotels, their experience will be smoother and more familiar.
What the Partnership Brings
Through this agreement, Commercial Bank will introduce UPI acceptance across its wide merchant base. Customers will gain real-time, reliable, and user-friendly payment options. The partnership focuses on broadening payment choices for Indian visitors and raising their overall experience in retail, hospitality, and food services.
Shahnawaz Rashid, EGM and Head of Retail Banking at Commercial Bank, explained it best: “This collaboration with NPCI International reflects Commercial Bank’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness to market needs. UPI is a proven success in India, and we are proud to support its expansion in Qatar, enhancing convenience and customer experience across our network.”
From NPCI International’s side, the message is equally optimistic. Ritesh Shukla, MD and CEO, shared: “We are happy to partner with Commercial Bank to expand UPI acceptance in Qatar. This collaboration will soon enable Indian travellers to experience the same convenience, simplicity and trust they experience when using UPI in India.”
NPCI’s Role in a Cashless Future
The collaboration does more than simplify transactions. It positions Commercial Bank as a leader in digital transformation and aligns with Qatar’s vision for a modern, cashless economy. It also reinforces NIPL’s mission to expand UPI’s global presence, enabling secure and convenient cross-border payments.
By embracing UPI, Qatar is taking a decisive step toward global digital integration. For NPCI, this marks yet another milestone in its journey to make seamless payments available to everyone, everywhere.
The story of UPI no longer belongs only to India. With partnerships like this one, it is becoming a global tool for inclusion and convenience. NPCI’s alliance with Commercial Bank signals a future where carrying cash is optional, and trust in digital payments is universal.
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