Tipping guide

Tipping in the UAE

Dubai and Abu Dhabi add 10% service to hotel and restaurant bills, but that money goes to the venue rather than to the person who served you. Cash handed over directly is what actually lands.

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Tipping in the UAE at a glance

A service charge is usually added — small extras are welcome

  • Restaurant (sit-down)
    10-15%
  • Cafe / Bar
    Round up
  • Taxi / Rideshare
    Round up
  • Food delivery
    5-10%
  • Tour guide / Driver
    10%
  • Spa / Salon / Barber
    10%
  • Hotel housekeeping
    AED10.00 per night
  • Hotel porter / Bellhop
    AED6.00 per bag
  • Valet parking
    AED10.00 per car
  • Hotel concierge
    AED25.00 per request

Hotels and restaurants add 10% service plus tax, and that money often doesn't reach the staff. A little cash directly to the person does.

The 10% service charge on hotel and restaurant bills goes to the venue, not the staff. Cash handed over directly is what actually reaches the person who served you.

Rates shown are typical amounts, converted to local currency at approximately 27 Aug 2026. Tipping customs evolve and vary from region to region, so treat this as your best starting point rather than a hard rule. Where a bill already shows a service charge, that is usually the tip.

Common questions

How much do you tip in Dubai?

10-15% in restaurants if you want it to reach the staff, 5-10 dirhams for a valet or porter, and 10-20 dirhams a night for housekeeping.

Does the 10% service charge go to the staff?

Usually not. It is a municipality and venue charge, which is why cash tips given directly are the norm among residents.

Do you tip taxi drivers in the UAE?

Round up to the next 5 or 10 dirhams. Drivers work long hours on modest pay and it is genuinely appreciated.

International tipping guides by country

Open the free online tipping calculator — or read the guidance for another destination.