Hammam Tipping Guide: How Much to Tip in Dubai’s Moroccan Baths

When you step into a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath often found in luxury spas across Dubai. Also known as Moroccan bath, it’s more than just a cleanse—it’s a full-body ritual with scrubbing, steaming, and relaxation built in. But here’s the question most visitors ask: Do you tip after? The answer isn’t simple. Tipping isn’t required by law, but it’s deeply woven into the culture of service in Dubai’s wellness scene.

Think of your hammam attendant, the person who scrubs your skin, pours the hot water, and guides you through the process. Also known as bath therapist, they’re not just staff—they’re skilled practitioners who spend hours on their feet, often without benefits or overtime pay. Many of them are immigrants from Morocco, Tunisia, or Egypt, working long shifts in high heat. A small tip isn’t charity—it’s fair compensation for real, physical labor. In places like the Ritz-Carlton or Al Maha, attendants might earn a base salary, but in local hammams, tips make up a big chunk of their income.

So how much? Most locals and regulars leave between 10% and 20% of the total bill. If your session cost 300 AED, 30 to 60 AED is a solid range. If you got extra attention—like a longer scrub, a back massage, or someone who helped you pick the right oil—go higher. Cash is still king here. Credit cards don’t always let you add a tip, and digital payments can feel impersonal. Handing over a few crisp notes in an envelope or just in your palm says more than any receipt ever could.

What about the receptionist or the person who handed you a towel? Skip tipping them unless they went out of their way—like helping you book last-minute or guiding you through the whole process. The tip is for the person who touched your skin, not the one who took your reservation.

And don’t overthink it. Some tourists worry they’ll offend if they don’t tip. Others tip too much out of guilt. Neither is right. Just be honest. If you felt the service was good, give what feels fair. If you were rushed or the water was too cold? No tip needed. You’re not paying for a show—you’re paying for care. And care deserves recognition.

There’s a myth that tipping in Dubai is always expected, like in the U.S. It’s not. But in a Moroccan bath, a ritual rooted in centuries of North African tradition. Also known as hammam, it’s deeply personal. The scrubbing, the steam, the rhythm—it’s not just hygiene. It’s healing. And the person helping you through it? They’re part of that healing. A tip isn’t a bonus. It’s respect.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—from budget hammams in Deira to luxury spots in Palm Jumeirah. You’ll learn what to wear, how to ask for extra scrubbing, and why some therapists never say no to a tip—but always say thank you.