How to Tip in Dubai – A Complete 2025 Guide for Tourists
Wondering how much to tip in Dubai? This 2025 guide explains when, who, and how much to tip across restaurants, hotels, taxis, tours, salons, and more. Make your trip smoother with the right etiquette.
Dubai is famous for luxury and service, but its tipping culture can feel unfamiliar for first-time visitors. Whether you're dining on a rooftop, getting your car valeted, or relaxing in a luxury spa, this guide covers how to tip in Dubai, when it’s appropriate, and what amount is customary in 2025.
💡 Quick takeaway: Tipping isn’t mandatory in Dubai, but it’s widely appreciated and a meaningful way to recognize great service.
General Principles of Tipping in Dubai
- Tipping is not obligatory, but it’s welcomed across hospitality, transport, and personal care sectors.
- Always tip in AED (Dirhams) to avoid inconvenience for staff.
- Service charge ≠ tip: Many restaurants and hotels include a 10–12% charge, but it doesn’t always reach the service team.
Tipping in Dubai: Quick Reference Table (2025)
| Service Category | Typical Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% of bill | Even with service charge, a direct tip is appreciated |
| Cafés & Shisha Lounges | AED 5–10 | Drop change in the jar or tip for shisha service |
| Hotel Bellhops | AED 5–10 per bag | AED 10–20 in luxury hotels |
| Housekeeping | AED 10–15 per day | Leave daily, not at end of stay |
| Concierge | AED 20–100 | Higher for exclusive bookings or special help |
| Taxis | Round up or AED 5–10 | For luggage help or excellent service |
| Uber/Careem | 10% of fare | Use in-app tipping feature |
| Valet Parking | AED 10–20 | Tip when they return the car |
| Food Delivery | AED 5–10 or spare change | Especially appreciated for remote or high-rise deliveries |
| Spas/Salons | 10–15% | Preferably hand it directly to the technician |
| Safari & Tour Guides | AED 20–100 or 10–20% | Generous tips expected for private or full-day tours |
Restaurants & Cafés
Even if your bill includes a service charge, a cash tip of 10–15% directly to the waitstaff ensures your appreciation reaches the right person.
- Casual dining: 10% is standard
- Fine dining: 15%+ is normal
- Cafés and quick bites: Drop change or round up
- Shisha lounges: AED 5–10 is appreciated for attentive service
🔗 Check out our Ultimate Foodie Guide to Dubai to explore top restaurants.
Hotels: Bellhops, Housekeeping & Concierge
Service at hotels ranges from excellent to extraordinary—tips are expected for:
- Bellhops: AED 5–10 per bag (AED 10–20 at luxury hotels)
- Housekeeping: AED 10–15 per day, ideally left daily
- Concierge: AED 20–50 for basic assistance, AED 100+ for rare reservations
🏨 Visiting upscale properties? Don’t miss Burj Al Arab or Bluewaters Island.
Transport: Taxis, Ride-Hailing, Valet
- Taxis: Round up or give AED 5–10 for helpful service
- Uber/Careem: Use the in-app 10% tip feature
- Valet: AED 10–20 is common when your vehicle is delivered
🚗 Planning to rent a luxury ride? Explore our Supercar Summer Sale.
Delivery Drivers & Personal Services
These service workers are often under-tipped. Show your gratitude with:
- Food delivery: AED 5–10, especially if they're fast or deliver to tricky locations
- Spas & salons: Tip 10–15% directly to the technician
🧖♀️ Don’t miss Dubai’s top luxury spas and dessert spots.
Safari & Tour Guides
- Private/full-day tours: AED 50–100
- Shorter group tours: AED 20 is generous
- Safari drivers: Cash before or after the trip
🌵 Learn more in our Dubai Desert Guide.
Tipping Etiquette & Local Tips
- Be discreet: Hand cash tips quietly, especially in upscale spots
- Carry small bills: AED 5, 10, and 20 notes are handy
- Double-check bills: Avoid tipping on top of auto-included service charges—unless you want to!
Is Tipping Mandatory in Dubai?
No. But if someone went the extra mile, a tip will always be appreciated. Forgetting to tip isn’t seen as rude—but it’s also a chance to make someone’s day better.
🧳 Before you land, check our Packing Checklist and Transport Guide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I tip at buffets?
If staff are serving drinks or clearing plates, AED 5–10 is appreciated.
Can I tip in dollars or euros?
Always use AED—foreign currencies are inconvenient.
Is it rude to not tip?
No, but tipping is appreciated when service exceeds expectations.