Tipping in Dubai
In Dubai, as in many other tourist locations, the tip size depends on the service quality. In some cases, such encouragement is appropriate; in others, it is not. Unlike in the US, where it is customary to leave a 20% tip, regardless of the quality of service, in Dubai, a tipping culture has not yet formed. In the United Arab Emirates, tipping is widespread but voluntary. It is a way to express gratitude for the efforts of people who brought you pleasant emotions. We put together a handy guide to tipping in Dubai, which will help you avoid awkward situations and make a rational decision.
Key takeaways
A Quick Guide to Tipping
Estimated rates tipping in Dubai depending on the service sector.
| Services sector | Approximate tip amount |
| Restaurants | 10-15% |
| Cafes | 5-10 dirhams or 10% for large bills |
| Lounges | 5-10 dirhams or additional charge of service |
| Delivery drivers | 5-10 dirhams |
| Porters and valets | 5-10 dirhams |
| Hotel housekeeping | 10 dirhams per night stay |
| Hair and beauty salons | 10-20 dirhams for first-class service |
| Petrol station attendants | Round up the amount on your check or add 5 dirhams to it |
| Taxi drivers | 5-10 dirhams |
| Tour guides | 10% (up to AED 100) |
| Yacht crews | 10-15% |
Below, we take a closer look at the specifics of tips in Dubai.
Tipping in Dubai in Restaurants & Bars
If you dine in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere, leave a 10-15% tip for good service. You do not need to leave an additional tip if your bill includes a service charge (more common in respectable restaurants). This is the standard rule of tipping etiquette. In addition, you may also pay a 6% tourist tax.
Waiters and bartenders in Dubai cafés and bars are less likely to receive tips. Typically, establishment guests round up the bill to the nearest banknote or leave a small amount as a token of appreciation for good service. In this case, the standard tip varies between 5-10 dirhams in a café or 10-20 dirhams in a bar. Do not hesitate to leave a generous tip for high service quality. If the restaurant staff exceeds your expectations, reward them financially.
If you use delivery services and order food to your home, the typical tipping protocol is to give the extra change from your bill. For example, if the total bill is AED 191, you can tip the delivery driver AED 200. If you paid online, you can tip the delivery driver in cash. Many companies allow customers to tip delivery drivers if they pay cashless.
Tipping in Hotels
There is a tradition around the world of tipping hotel staff for their professional courtesy and attention to detail. Most guests tip the porter AED 10 to AED 20. But you should increase the tip if your luggage is heavier or if you have many suitcases.
Tips for maids in Dubai hotels can be left under the pillow before check-out or given to them in person.
| House cleaning | 5-10 dirhams |
| Hotel porters | 1 dirham per bag |
| Concierge/Reception | 10-15 dirhams |
| Parking attendants | 5-10 dirhams each time |
Unlike many other countries, tipping in Dubai does not include incentives for concierges. They will help you with restaurant reservations and recommend the best tourist spots at no extra charge. If the hotel concierge provides exceptional service during your stay in Dubai, you can leave a tip.
Regardless of the tip size, treat the service staff respectfully. Restaurant and hotel staff in Dubai often work hard for low wages. Do not worry if you cannot leave a tip. A smile and a simple «thank you» mean much more than money.
Tipping Taxi Drivers in Dubai
Taxi drivers in Dubai do not expect tips, but you can round up the amount if you are generous. Also, you can leave around 10-15 dirhams for a comfortable ride. For short trips, it is easiest to round up the bill to the nearest significant amount. Some taxi companies have a unique app option where you can leave a tip for the driver and rate his work.
You can rent a luxury car with a professional driver to ensure complete freedom of movement around Dubai and an unforgettable driving experience. To do this, contact Trinity Rental. The company's fleet includes more than 80 exclusive supercars with minimal mileage. All cars are in impeccable technical condition and have advanced equipment.
You can rent:
- High-speed sports car (Ferrari 296 GTS, McLaren 750S Spider, Ferrari Roma, etc.).
- Elite sedan (Mercedes-Maybach S680 Haute Voiture 1/150, Rolls-Royce Ghost, etc.).
- Roomy SUV (Mercedes Brabus XLP 800 6x6 Adventure, Cadillac Escalade Mansory, Lamborghini Urus etc.).
- Luxury convertible (Rolls-Royce Dawn Cabrio Black Badge, Audi R8 Spyder performance, BMW 430i Cabrio).
- Electric car (Rolls-Royce Spectre, Tesla 3 Performance).
The rental price includes insurance, daily mileage of 300 km, VAT, and a full gas tank as a gift. You can hire car with crypto, bank cards, or cash. At Trinity Rental, you can rent a prestigious car without a deposit and under other conditions. You can count on the help of a personal manager throughout the rental period. You can consult him about the car delivery location (airport, apartment, office, shopping center) and agree on other details.
Tipping Tour Guides
Tour guides in Dubai do not usually expect tips. But if you want to thank the tour guides for an informative city tour or a desert safari, you can leave them a tip of 5, 10, or 20 dirhams. Sometimes, tourists and visitors to Dubai leave a tip of 20% of the total cost of the tour or 100 dirhams for a full day. But there are no rules on this matter. Leave the amount that you think is fair.
Tipping is welcome regardless of whether you go on a private, multi-day, or walking tour. If you join a free tour in Dubai, it is worth leaving a tip. This may be your guide's only income. Leave a good review of his work. It will help him in the future.
Also, do not forget about the service charge of yacht charter crews. In this case, the tip size depends on the trip's length and the vessel type. They usually range from 5% to 15% of the basic charter fee. It is best to hand over cash to the captain at the end of the voyage. He will distribute the money among his crew. It’s important because you will not see some of them during the journey, but they care about your comfort.
Tipping at a Spa, Salons, and Hairdressers
Tipping the staff at Dubai's beauty salons and spas depends on the treatment and your satisfaction with the results. If you visit any of the nail salons in Dubai, a tip of AED 5 to AED 10 is ideal. You can add 10% of the total bill for luxury spa treatments and personal preference.
AED 10 is appropriate for a simple man's haircut or shave. For top-notch service, you can leave more. The tip is usually 10-15% of the cost for a woman's haircut or a more complex service.
Cash or Card?
Most people have used a bank card to pay for goods and services in recent years. This trend has also affected the tipping culture. Most restaurants in Dubai allow you to add a tip to the bill guests pay by card.
However, including a tip in your card payment is not always possible, especially if you pay in advance. So, if you plan to use services where you might need to leave a tip, make sure you have small notes of 5 or 10 dirhams in your wallet.
FAQ
Am I supposed to tip in Dubai?
It is up to each person to decide whether to leave a tip. If you want to show gratitude for good service, reward the staff of restaurants, hotels, or delivery services.
Is AED15 a good tip in Dubai?
In many situations, this is the standard tipping. If you want to leave a larger tip, nothing prevents you from doing so. It all depends on the type of establishment and the type of service you like. You can round up the bill if you take a taxi or buy an inexpensive drink in a café.
Should I tip at a hotel?
You can tip maids, porters, and the concierge.
Should I tip at the restaurant?
If you are happy with the level of service at a restaurant, you can reward the waiter's efforts with a generous tip.
Can I tip in my own currency?
Of course, you can leave a tip in the currency you want, but try to use dirhams. Before arriving, try withdrawing some local money from an ATM so you are prepared.
Can I tip with a card in Dubai?
Yes, you can leave a tip using a non-cash payment method. But ensure that the establishment has this practice and that the tip is for the staff.