Shopping in Dubai Just Got Cheaper: UPI Users Get 10% Off at Duty Free
Indian travellers can now get a 10% discount on UPI payments at Dubai Duty Free. Learn how to activate UPI Global for this offer.
Indian travellers heading to the UAE have a new reason to celebrate. In a move to make international shopping more rewarding, UPI payments at Dubai Duty Free now come with an exclusive 10 per cent discount on eligible purchases. This initiative, announced by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), aims to blend the convenience of digital payments with tangible savings for Indian tourists.
The Deal: How Much Can You Save?
Under this new arrangement, Indian visitors can enjoy a 10 per cent discount when they use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for their shopping sprees at participating Dubai Duty Free outlets. However, there is a limit to the savings: the discount is capped at a maximum of AED 100 per transaction.
Dubai Duty Free, one of the globe's premier airport retailers, operates at both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. This means travellers can apply this discount across a vast array of luxury categories, including:
- High-end fashion and beauty products
- Latest electronics and gadgets
- Premium watches and jewellery
- Confectionery and beverages
How to Avail the Discount
To take advantage of this offer, travellers don't need a new card or a foreign currency account. They simply need to follow these steps:
- Open their UPI-enabled mobile application.
- Activate the UPI International or UPI Global service for an eligible bank account.
- Make the payment directly from their Indian bank account at participating merchants.
This system removes the stress of carrying large amounts of cash or dealing with the complexities of foreign currency exchange while shopping overseas.
Strengthening India-UAE Digital Ties
This collaboration is more than just a discount; it is a strategic move to integrate digital payment ecosystems. Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director and CEO of NPCI International, emphasized that since Dubai is a top destination for Indians, the goal is to make cross-border payments feel as seamless as domestic transactions in India.
The technical backbone of this integration is provided by Network International, which serves as the acquiring partner. They are ensuring that UPI is accepted across participating payment terminals and that transactions are processed smoothly.
"The integration of UPI provides Indian travellers with a familiar, secure and seamless way to pay while enjoying the benefits of this exclusive offer," said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free.
Murat Cagri Suzer, Group CEO of Network International, added that this partnership strengthens the overall payments ecosystem for Indians in the UAE by offering a secure and familiar payment method.
The Bigger Picture
This move is expected to trigger a wider adoption of UPI across various retail outlets in the UAE. By bridging the gap between Indian banking and UAE retail, the initiative strengthens the digital payment connectivity between the two nations, making the travel experience significantly more efficient for millions of passengers.