Traditional Hammam: What It Is and How It Works in Dubai

A traditional hammam, a centuries-old steam bath ritual rooted in Islamic and Moroccan culture. Also known as Moroccan bath, it’s not just a cleanse—it’s a full-body experience that combines heat, scrubbing, and relaxation in a way no spa in Dubai can fully replicate. Unlike a regular sauna or hot tub, a traditional hammam uses layered rooms with increasing heat, natural soaps made from olive oil, and rough kessa gloves to exfoliate dead skin. It’s designed to open pores, release toxins, and leave your skin feeling newborn—all while you’re lying on warm marble tiles under steam.

The ritual is deeply tied to Moroccan bath, a specific style of hammam that uses black soap and ghassoul clay. In Dubai, these aren’t just tourist attractions—they’re daily rituals for locals and a must-try for visitors who want real wellness, not just luxury. The attendants, often trained in Morocco, know exactly how to scrub without hurting you, how long to let the steam work, and when to rinse. And yes, tipping matters. Most people don’t realize that a small tip—around 10-20 AED—isn’t optional, it’s expected. It shows respect for the skill and effort behind the service.

What you wear? Nothing. Or a towel. Or a disposable bikini. It’s your call, but most people go bare under a wrap. The key is comfort and cleanliness. You won’t be judged. The focus is on the process, not the body. And if you’re wondering how this compares to a Thai massage or a sauna, it’s different. Thai massage is done clothed, with stretches. Saunas are dry heat. A hammam is wet, slow, and deeply social in its roots—even if you’re alone in the room, you’re part of a tradition that’s lasted over a thousand years.

People come to Dubai for the glitter, but they stay for the calm. The traditional hammam offers that rare balance: it’s luxurious without being pretentious, healing without being medical, and personal without being invasive. You’ll leave with smoother skin, lighter muscles, and a quiet mind. And you’ll understand why so many posts here talk about what to bring, how to behave, and why the cost isn’t just for the room—it’s for the hands that worked on you.

Below, you’ll find real answers to the questions no one tells you: how much to tip, what to wear, whether to scrub before or after, and why some places in Dubai do it right while others just copy the look. This isn’t a checklist. It’s a guide to doing it right—like someone who’s been there before.