Dubai Duty Free Now Accepts UPI Payments From Indian Travellers

Indian travelers visiting Dubai can now utilize the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to make purchases at participating Dubai Duty Free outlets, with an added bonus of a 10% discount on eligible transactions, capped at AED100. This convenience was introduced by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international branch of India's National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), on November 5.

The UPI system enables Indian visitors to pay directly through their bank accounts linked to UPI applications, offering an alternative to carrying cash or making payments with foreign currency. To take advantage of this service, travelers must activate UPI International or UPI Global services through their UPI-enabled applications prior to making overseas payments. These payments must be routed through eligible Indian bank accounts that support international UPI transactions.

Upon activation, customers can utilize their UPI applications to pay at designated Dubai Duty Free terminals within Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The acquiring partner, Network International, facilitates UPI payments across the retailer's participating payment terminals, enhancing the availability of Indian digital payment services at these international retail destinations.

To maximize the benefits, eligible purchases made through UPI qualify for a 10% discount, with a maximum benefit of AED100. For example, an eligible purchase worth AED500 would receive a discount of AED50, while purchases of AED1,000 or more would still be capped at AED100 in benefits. This discount is applicable only to eligible transactions at participating terminals, so travelers should review the offer's terms and conditions, including any restrictions and eligibility requirements, before making purchases.

It is also crucial for travelers to ensure that international UPI payments are enabled through their banking applications to avoid any difficulties at checkout. By implementing this initiative, NIPL aims to expand UPI's presence in Dubai's retail payment ecosystem, providing Indian passengers with greater flexibility when shopping at airport outlets.