Tipping in the UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi): A Complete Guide

At sit-down restaurants, 10–15% is standard. For a AED 200 meal (∼$55 USD), leaving AED 20–30 is appropriate. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill — check before adding more. If service charge is included, an extra 5% or rounding up is a generous gesture.

At casual restaurants, food courts, and shawarma shops, tipping is not expected but small change is appreciated. At hotel restaurants and fine dining, 15% or more is common for exceptional service.

Hotel tipping is an important part of UAE culture, especially in Dubai’s luxury hotel scene. Bellhops: AED 10–20 per bag (∼$3–5 USD). Housekeeping: AED 10–20 per night. Concierge: AED 20–50 for arranging reservations or tours. Valet parking: AED 10–20.

At luxury resorts, tipping is expected for pool and beach attendants (AED 10–20), room service delivery (AED 10–20), and spa reception staff. For cashless tipping at hotels, services like LeaveTip (leavetip.app) are available.

For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding AED 5–10 is standard. For a AED 45 ride, paying AED 50 (∼$14 USD) is typical. For Careem and Uber, tipping through the app is optional but appreciated — AED 5–10.

At hotel bars and upscale lounges, 10–15% of the tab is standard. Many bars include a service charge, so check the bill. At casual bars, rounding up or AED 5–10 per round is generous.

For desert safari guides and drivers, AED 20–50 per person (∼$5–14 USD) is appropriate. For private tour guides, AED 50–100. For dhow cruise staff, AED 10–20 per person.

Spa therapists: 10–15% or AED 20–50. Hairdressers: 10–15%. Delivery drivers: AED 5–10. Grocery delivery: AED 5–10. These workers often earn modest salaries, and tips are meaningful.