Indian travelers planning a trip to Dubai can now conveniently book tickets for the iconic At the Top, Burj Khalifa experience using their familiar UPI payment applications. This new integration allows visitors to secure their entry online before even arriving in the UAE, marking a significant step in cross-border digital payments.
UPI Expands Reach to Dubai's Premier Attraction
The Burj Khalifa's "At the Top" attraction is the first tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates to accept India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for e-commerce transactions. This facility is the result of a strategic partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), NEOPAY, and Emaar Entertainment.
Previously, UPI acceptance in the UAE was primarily for QR-based merchant payments in physical stores, a service introduced in 2022 through NIPL's collaboration with NEOPAY. The latest expansion to online bookings offers Indian tourists greater flexibility and convenience, allowing them to plan and pay for their experiences in advance with a trusted payment method.
Seamless Travel Planning for Indian Visitors
With millions of tourists visiting At the Top, Burj Khalifa annually, India represents one of its most crucial international markets. The introduction of UPI is expected to streamline the travel planning process for these visitors, making transactions simpler and more intuitive.
Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NPCI International, emphasized that Indian travelers increasingly seek familiar and seamless payment experiences abroad. He stated that enabling UPI for online bookings at such an iconic destination simplifies planning even before arrival, further expanding UPI's acceptance in the UAE.
Vibhor Mundhada, CEO of NEOPAY, highlighted this as a landmark moment for digital commerce between India and the UAE. He noted that NEOPAY, as the first company in the GCC to introduce UPI for e-commerce, continues to lead payment innovation, benefiting both merchants and millions of digitally-savvy Indian consumers.
An official spokesperson from Emaar Entertainment reiterated the commitment to delivering world-class experiences powered by innovation. They noted that introducing UPI simplifies the customer journey for Indian guests from the moment they begin planning their visit, reflecting a customer-centric approach.
This integration aims to further strengthen the digital payments bridge between India and the UAE, responding to the growing demand from travelers for convenient and familiar payment options while abroad.