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United Arab Emirates Tipping Guide

Tipping Culture: Expected

Tipping Culture Visual Guide
Understand tipping customs and avoid cultural faux pas
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United Arab Emirates

Expected
Average Tip AmountAED 20-50 per service
Restaurants
Typical Amount:10-15%

10-15% even if service charge included (doesn't always reach staff).

Service charge may be included
Taxis & Rideshares

Round up or AED 5-10

Rounding up is common
Hotels
Bellhop:

AED 5-10 per bag

Housekeeping:

AED 10-20 per night

Concierge:

AED 20-50 for special services

Bars & Cafes

AED 5-10 per drink or 10%

Tour Guides

AED 50-100 per person for day tours

What NOT to Do in United Arab Emirates
  • Don't assume service charge reaches staff
  • Don't undertip at luxury venues
  • Don't forget to carry small notes for tips
Cultural Context
  • Service industry largely staffed by expat workers on low wages
  • Tipping helps supplement modest salaries
  • Cash tips preferred (service charges may not reach staff)
  • Higher expectations at luxury hotels and restaurants
When to Tip
  • Always at restaurants
  • Hotel staff
  • Taxis
  • Spas and salons
  • Tour guides

Tipping Etiquette in United Arab Emirates

Understanding tipping customs in United Arab Emirates is essential for respectful travel. The general tipping culture here is expected, which means tipping is an important part of service workers' income and is anticipated in most situations.

Restaurant Tipping

Standard: 10-15%
Guidelines: 10-15% even if service charge included (doesn't always reach staff).

Taxi Tipping

Standard: Round up or AED 5-10
Round Up:

Hotel Staff Tipping

Bellhop/Porter: AED 5-10 per bag
Housekeeping: AED 10-20 per night
Concierge: AED 20-50 for special services

Bar Tipping

AED 5-10 per drink or 10%

Tour Guide Tipping

AED 50-100 per person for day tours

Cultural Context

Service industry largely staffed by expat workers on low wages

Tipping helps supplement modest salaries

Cash tips preferred (service charges may not reach staff)

Higher expectations at luxury hotels and restaurants

What NOT to Do

  • Don't assume service charge reaches staff
  • Don't undertip at luxury venues
  • Don't forget to carry small notes for tips

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