Diaries of TravelsTravel intelligence
  1. Home
  2. Tipping guides
  3. United Arab Emirates
TIPPING // MIDDLE EASTAppreciated but optional

Tipping in United Arab Emirates

A 10% service charge is often added; extra is optional and appreciated.

The short answer

A 10% service charge is often added; extra is optional and appreciated. Tips in cash are appreciated by staff even when a service charge appears on the bill.

What to tip, service by service

Restaurants
Check for the service charge; add 10% if not, or round up.
Bars & cafés
Round up.
Taxis & rideshare
10 dirhams or round up.
Hotels
5–10 dirhams per night housekeeping; a few dirhams per bag.
Tour guides & drivers
10% for guides.
Good to know

Tips in cash are appreciated by staff even when a service charge appears on the bill. Customs shift over time and by venue, and tourist areas often expect more than locals give. When in doubt, a small tip in the local currency and cash is rarely wrong.