Tipping in the United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, tipping is expected for 7 of the 20 services we track. At a sit-down restaurant, 10% service charge usually included; add AED 10–100 cash. Tipping is unusual for 1 service.
A service charge is often included on restaurant and hotel bills, but it does not always reach staff. Cash tips for personal service are appreciated.
Tipping in the United Arab Emirates at a glance
- Sit-down restaurant
- 10% service charge usually included; add AED 10–100 cash
- Taxi
- Round up to nearest AED 5; AED 5–10 for luggage help
- Bar
- AED 10–20 per round, or 10–15% on a tab
- Housekeeping
- AED 5–10 per day mid-range; AED 10–20 per day at five-star
- Concierge
- AED 20–50 routine; AED 100+ for hard reservations
- Tour guide
- AED 50–100 per person half-day; AED 100–200 full-day private
- Café
- Round up the bill, or AED 5–10 in the jar
- Tattoo artist
- 15–20% at licensed studios; cash only
Tipping by service in the United Arab Emirates
| Service | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | Expected | 10% service charge usually included; add AED 10–100 cash |
| Counter / takeaway | Appreciated | AED 5–10 in the tip jar |
| Café | Appreciated | Round up the bill, or AED 5–10 in the jar |
| Bar | Expected | AED 10–20 per round, or 10–15% on a tab |
| Housekeeping | Appreciated | AED 5–10 per day mid-range; AED 10–20 per day at five-star |
| Porter | Expected | AED 5–10 per bag |
| Concierge | Appreciated | AED 20–50 routine; AED 100+ for hard reservations |
| Taxi | Optional | Round up to nearest AED 5; AED 5–10 for luggage help |
| Rideshare | Optional | Round up or AED 5–10; in-app tipping available |
| Food delivery | Appreciated | AED 5–10 per order |
| Grocery delivery | Appreciated | AED 5–10 per delivery |
| Hairdresser | Appreciated | 10–15% or AED 20–50 flat |
| Spa | Expected | 10–15% of the treatment price |
| Tour guide | Expected | AED 50–100 per person half-day; AED 100–200 full-day private |
| Tattoo artist | Appreciated | 15–20% at licensed studios; cash only |
| Valet | Expected | AED 5–20 at retrieval |
| Airport baggage | Expected | AED 5–10 per bag |
| Busker | Unusual | AED 5–10 if encountered (rare) |
| Movers | Appreciated | AED 50–100 per mover; AED 150–200 for villa moves |
| Tradesperson | Appreciated | AED 20–100 per call |
Compare one service across every country
Compare the United Arab Emirates to other countries
Tipping in the United Arab Emirates: common questions
Do you tip in the United Arab Emirates?
Yes, for some services. Of the 20 services we track in the United Arab Emirates, tipping is expected for 7 and appreciated for 10. A service charge is often included on restaurant and hotel bills, but it does not always reach staff. Cash tips for personal service are appreciated.
How much do you tip at a restaurant in the United Arab Emirates?
10% service charge usually included; add AED 10–100 cash. That works out to 10–15% of the bill. A 10% service charge is added at most Dubai and Abu Dhabi sit-down restaurants.
How much do you tip a taxi driver in the United Arab Emirates?
Round up to nearest AED 5; AED 5–10 for luggage help. RTA taxis in Dubai and Abu Dhabi taxis operate on metered fares set by the government.
Do you tip hotel housekeeping in the United Arab Emirates?
AED 5–10 per day mid-range; AED 10–20 per day at five-star. UAE hotel housekeeping is overwhelmingly staffed by migrant workers from South and Southeast Asia, often on low base wages.
Which services should you tip in the United Arab Emirates?
A tip is genuinely expected for 7 services: sit-down restaurant, bar, porter, spa, tour guide, valet, and airport baggage. For everything else it is optional or unusual.
Where is tipping not expected in the United Arab Emirates?
Tipping is unusual for 1 service: busker. Leaving nothing is completely normal in these situations.
Should you tip in cash or by card in the United Arab Emirates?
Cash is preferred for 16 of the 20 services we track in the United Arab Emirates, because card tips do not always reach staff. Carrying small notes is worth it.