Dubai Tipping Culture Made Easy

If you’ve just landed in Dubai or are planning a short visit, the first thing you might wonder about is the right amount to tip. Unlike some places where tipping is optional, in the UAE it’s a polite way to say thanks and to make sure you get good service again. The good news? It’s not complicated. Below you’ll find quick rules for the most common situations.

Restaurants, Cafes and Bars

Most restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill automatically. If the receipt already shows this, you don’t have to leave extra cash, though a small round‑up for exceptional service is appreciated. When there’s no service charge, a tip of 10‑15% of the total is standard. For coffee shops or quick‑serve cafés, just round up the total to the nearest dirham or leave a few dirhams on the counter.

Hotels and Accommodation

Hotel staff rely heavily on tips, especially for bell boys, housekeeping and concierge. A tip of 10 AED to 20 AED per bag for the bell boy is common. For daily housekeeping, leave 5‑10 AED per night in the room, preferably in an envelope with a note that says “Thank you.” When you check out, a tip of 20 AED to 50 AED for the concierge who helped book tours or transport is a nice gesture.

Spa, Massage and Wellness Centers

In Dubai’s luxury spa scene, tipping is expected but not mandatory. A 10‑15% tip on the total service cost works well. If you’re getting a Thai massage, a tip of 20 AED to 30 AED is typical, especially if the therapist went above and beyond. Some spas have a tip box at the reception; feel free to add cash there if you’re happy with the experience.

Transportation: Taxis, Rideshares and Car Rentals

Taxi drivers don’t usually add a service charge, so rounding up the fare to the nearest 5 AED is polite. For rideshare services like Uber or Careem, the app lets you add a tip before confirming the payment – 5‑10% works fine. If you hire a private driver for a day, a tip of 50 AED to 100 AED is a good rule of thumb, depending on how many hours they work and how friendly they are.

Other Services: Tour Guides, Salon Stylists and More

Tour guides love a tip, especially for private tours. A tip of 20 AED per person for a half‑day tour and 50 AED per person for a full‑day outing shows respect. At hair salons, a 5‑10% tip on the service price is common. For pet groomers, a 10 AED tip for a quick grooming session is appreciated.

Remember, the key to tipping in Dubai is to be generous when the service feels personal. A few dirhams can make a big difference for a staff member who’s worked long hours. If you’re ever unsure, a quick “How much should I tip?” to the staff member usually gets a helpful answer.

With these simple guidelines, you’ll fit right in and avoid any awkward moments. Enjoy your stay, focus on the amazing sights, and let the gratuity be a small thank‑you for the great service you receive.