Hotels and restaurants commonly include service charges. Small extra tips are appreciated, especially where service is absent; ask what an added charge covers before deciding.
Check the billDining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
United Arab Emirates tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsCheck the bill
Hotels and restaurants commonly include service charges. Small extra tips are appreciated, especially where service is absent; ask what an added charge covers before deciding.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
Bars & cafésAdvice & exceptionsAED5–10
Dubai: an optional café/lounge thank-you; larger orders can use a percentage.
Hotels & resortsAdvice & exceptionsOptional; tip by role
Dubai: staff gratuities are welcome, not obligatory.
Bellhop & luggage helpAdvice & exceptionsAED5–10 per bag
Dubai: a suggested luggage-help thank-you.
HousekeepingAdvice & exceptionsAED5–10 per night
Dubai: voluntary appreciation for good cleaning.
When & how: Leave clearly intended cash before checkout.
ConciergeAdvice & exceptionsNot customary
Dubai: no routine concierge gratuity is expected.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptions10%, up to AED100
Dubai tourism’s suggestion for excellent guiding.
Food deliveryAdvice & exceptionsAED5–10, optional
Dubai: for good delivery service.
Spas & massageAdvice & exceptions10–15% for longer sessions
Dubai: AED5–10 for shorter, inexpensive treatments.
Salons & barbersAdvice & exceptionsAED10 or 10–15%
Dubai: about AED10 for a simple haircut; percentage for more involved services.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
Keep small AED5 and AED10 notes available. Cash is useful when the service was prepaid.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
