Guide to tipping in Dubai

Dubai is world famous for its extraordinary service levels. In a city where everything can be delivered comes the age-old question: who to tip and how much? While there are no set rules, how much you tip varies from profession to profession, and is also largely down to personal preference. It is customary to tip in most cases, but it certainly isn’t compulsory. Here’s a rough guide to help you out during your visit.

Quick guide to tipping in Dubai

There's more detail below, but for a quick reference, here's approximately what you should tip in Dubai:

• Restaurants: 10-15 per cent
• Cafes: AED5-10, or 10 per cent for a larger bill
• Lounges: AED5-10, or larger tip for extensive or great service
• Delivery drivers: AED5-10 for good service

• Porters and valets: AED5-10 for helpful service
• Hotel housekeeping: AED10 per night of stay
• Hair and beauty salons: AED10-20 for good service
• Petrol station attendants: round up or AED5

• Taxi drivers: AED5-10
• Tour guides:10 per cent up to AED100 for great service
• Yacht crews: 10-15 per cent

Tipping culture in Dubai

In some parts of the world it's considered rude not to tip – while in others leaving a tip can be insulting. So as a tourist visiting somewhere for the first time, knowing when tipping is or isn't expected is not always easy.

Dubai's tipping culture is pretty relaxed: tips for hospitality services are definitely appreciated, but not essential. If you've received good service then a tip is often the best way of showing your appreciation, but don't worry if, for whatever reason, you're not able to leave a gratuity.

Tipping with card or cash in Dubai

As paying with card has become more common and the use of cash has declined, leaving a tip has grown more complicated. Most restaurants will now let you add a tip to a bill paid by card – but it's worth checking with your waiter that this amount goes to them, not the restaurant.

In other scenarios it may not always be possible to include a tip on a card payment, especially not when you pay in advance. So if you expect to use services where you might want to tip, it's worth making sure you have some AED5 or AED10 notes on hand.

Tips in Dubai restaurants

While most restaurants will note that taxes and service charge have already been included in the bill, it's still common for diners in Dubai to tip the service staff. A figure between 10% and 15% is customary, but this is dependent on the quality of service.

In lounges, cafes or more casual restaurants it's often easier to leave AED5 or AED10 as a standard tip, but if you've had a big order, such as for a group of people, then tipping a percentage of the bill for good service may be more appropriate. But often, rounding up to the nearest figure of your bill could suffice.

Tips in Dubai hotels

It's customary to tip hotel staff and valet drivers but it’s not always expected, so don’t worry if you don’t have any change on you. Most guests would give around AED5, but you should give them slightly more if your luggage is heavier, or if you have a lot of suitcases.

Tips for housekeeping staff are similarly appreciated but not expected. Depending on the hotel and the service, a tip of AED5 or AED10 per night's stay would be reasonable, and can be left under your pillow before you check out.

Unlike in some overseas countries, it is not customary to tip concierges in hotels in Dubai. They will be happy to make suggestions and assist you with your bookings without any extra remuneration.

Tips for other hospitality services

Beauty salons: Depending on the particular treatment, tips for a beauty therapist will vary from AED5, up to 10 per cent or more of the treatment value. Smaller treatments such as manicures would warrant a smaller tip.

Hairdresser or barber:For a simple gent's haircut or shave, a tip of AED10 would be appropriate, with more for great service. For a ladies' haircut or a more complex service, tipping 10 to 15 per cent of the cost is typical.

Spas and massages: For shorter, cheaper treatments you could tip AED5-10, while for longer sessions and massages around 10 to 15 per cent would be appropriate.

Tipping tour guides in Dubai

After enjoying a well-organised, informative tour of the city, or after the completion of a desert safari, you can certainly show your appreciation to the driver and/or guide. Although some nationalities tip 20% of the total price or AED100 for a full day's outing, anything you deem fair to show how much you enjoyed the trip will be well received.  

Usually tips for yacht charter crews range from 5% to 15% of the base charter fee, depending on length of trip and the type of boat. Cash should usually be handed to the captain at the end of your voyage, as he will then distribute the money to his crew, some of whom might not be visible to you but nonetheless ensure you get the best possible service.

Tipping taxis in Dubai

Taxis in Dubai are both affordable and plentiful, and therefore tipping the driver is a common occurrence. Usually a small tip of AED5-10 is given, but generally passengers will just round the fare up to the nearest figure and allow the driver to keep the change. 

If you're using car hailing apps such as Careem or Uber, you can leave a tip via the app – and don't forget to rate your driver too.

Tipping for other services in Dubai

Delivery drivers: For takeaways or deliveries (you can get almost anything delivered here), a token gesture of allowing the driver to keep the change to the nearest currency note is customary. Not only is this a show of gratitude, but it also means the driver doesn’t have the inconvenience of finding change. Do note that most delivery services also charge a nominal delivery fee. Delivery apps such as Zomato, Deliveroo and the like offer an option to tip your delivery driver if you prefer to go cashless.  

Airport porters: If you need some extra assistance at the airport with your luggage, you can find porters at the entrance of the departures area or by the carousel belts on arrival. There is a fixed cost of AED40 for a regular trolley and AED100 for the large flat-bed trolley service, but most tend to tip the porters an extra AED5-10 for their help.

Supermarket packer: The person packing up your shopping at a supermarket will move on to the next customer in a few minutes, so there’s no need to give them anything more than small change – they won’t be expecting a large tip. If you need their help carrying your bags to the car, you can give them AED5-10 more.