Tipping in the United Arab Emirates (2026): How Much to Tip

Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. There are no set rules on tipping in the UAE, but it is common and welcome for good service. Many restaurant bills already include a service charge, yet diners still often leave around 10% because the charge does not always reach the staff.

Is service included?

Hotel restaurants and some standalone restaurants and cafes add a 10% service charge, shown as a service charge on the bill; many standalone places do not. Even when it is included, a small extra tip for the server is common, because the charge is not the same as a tip passed to staff.

How much to tip in the United Arab Emirates

Who	Usual tip	Notes
Restaurants (sit-down)	10 to 15%	Varies: 10 to 15% is the usual guideline for good service; 5 to 10% on top of an included service charge is also fine.
Cafes and bars	Round up or AED 5 to 10	Round up or leave AED 5 to 10 at casual places.
Taxis and rideshare	Round up	Dubai taxi drivers do not expect tips; round up to the nearest note. AED 5 to 10 is generous, for example if the driver helps with bags.
Hotel housekeeping	About AED 10 per day	Optional; around AED 10 to 11 a day is suggested.
Hotel porters	AED 5 to 10 per bag	Optional; varies from about AED 5 to 10 for luggage help up to AED 20 or more at luxury hotels and valet stands.
Tour guides	About 10%	Around 10% of the tour or private driver cost is a good guide.
Hairdressers and spas	10 to 15%	10 to 15% for massages and facials; a smaller amount for quick services like a manicure.
Food delivery	AED 5 to 10	Not expected, but AED 5 or 10, or letting the rider keep the change, is appreciated.

Amounts are in the local currency (AED). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.

How to tip

Both cash and card work. Card payments and digital checkouts increasingly show a tip prompt or QR code. Small cash notes are still the usual way to tip taxi drivers, delivery riders, porters and housekeeping.

What to avoid

Do not assume the service charge on the bill goes to your server; if the service was good, leave a little extra directly for them.

Work out a tip

The tip calculator is set to the United Arab Emirates and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.

Tipping with no cash

When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything.

Street performers

Tipping a busker is always optional. If you enjoy the show, a coin or a note in the case is the custom, and more performers now show a QR code so you can tip by card. Rules for buskers by city:

Busking in Dubai

Sources

Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.

Common questions

Is tipping expected in the United Arab Emirates?

Appreciated, not expected. There are no set rules on tipping in the UAE, but it is common and welcome for good service. Many restaurant bills already include a service charge, yet diners still often leave around 10% because the charge does not always reach the staff.

How much should you tip at a restaurant in the United Arab Emirates?

10 to 15%. Varies: 10 to 15% is the usual guideline for good service; 5 to 10% on top of an included service charge is also fine.

Is a service charge added to the bill in the United Arab Emirates?

Do you tip taxi drivers in the United Arab Emirates?

Round up.

How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in the United Arab Emirates?

About AED 10 per day.