Tipping in Dubai

[Pug1]

Hi everyone, we will be in Dubai for two days later this month. Is tipping expected or common in Dubai? We will be taking a private car transfer to and from our hotel on arrival/departure, doing some shopping and sighseeing,and also doing a couple of tours. Would be keen to know from people who have been there what level of tipping is acceptable assuming it is the norm.

 

[robd]

Hi everyone, we will be in Dubai for two days later this month. Is tipping expected or common in Dubai? We will be taking a private car transfer to and from our hotel on arrival/departure, doing some shopping and sighseeing,and also doing a couple of tours. Would be keen to know from people who have been there what level of tipping is acceptable assuming it is the norm.

I recently returned from 3 nights in Dubai. Tipping (akin to USA expectations), didn't enter my mind, however I usually round up taxi & restaurant bills. I don't think I suffered any difference in service for not tipping. If you enjoy an alcoholic beverage with your meal within hotel grounds, trust me, someone is making bank.

 

[drross]

thanks. we're there in 2 weeks and didn't think to even ask about tipping

 

[Boca68]

Hi everyone, we will be in Dubai for two days later this month. Is tipping expected or common in Dubai? We will be taking a private car transfer to and from our hotel on arrival/departure, doing some shopping and sighseeing,and also doing a couple of tours. Would be keen to know from people who have been there what level of tipping is acceptable assuming it is the norm.

Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated. Myself, I round up the account +5 to 10%. Certainly leave a small tip for the chambermaid each day. I find worldwide, that's a must.

A few dirham here and there, won't hurt. But certainly no need for 15 to 20% US style.

 

[YSSY]

100% as above. If you don't tip, you won't have any issues. But tipping is appreciated. The locals rarely if ever tip.

 

[JohnK]

Certainly leave a small tip for the chambermaid each day. I find worldwide, that's a must.

I have seen this mentioned on a number of forums and do not understand it.

Why is it a must? Because they are not paid well? Because you will get better service? Not in my experience.

These days I will leave them a small tip if they have gone out of their way to help with something.

 

[Pug1]

Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated. Myself, I round up the account +5 to 10%. Certainly leave a small tip for the chambermaid each day. I find worldwide, that's a must.

A few dirham here and there, won't hurt. But certainly no need for 15 to 20% US style.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated Boca68

 

[Pug1]

100% as above. If you don't tip, you won't have any issues. But tipping is appreciated. The locals rarely if ever tip.

thank you for the response

 

[Pug1]

thanks. we're there in 2 weeks and didn't think to even ask about tipping

enjoy the stay drross - looks like it will be hot.

 

[Boca68]

I have seen this mentioned on a number of forums and do not understand it.

Why is it a must? Because they are not paid well? Because you will get better service? Not in my experience.

These days I will leave them a small tip if they have gone out of their way to help with something.

I can speak from many years (approx 13 years) experience in 5* hotels in my younger days, that it is better to tip the chambermaid than the concierge. Lets just say, the have unfettered access to your room. Perhaps not so much nowadays with electronic keys, but in the past with just metal keys.

If you engage them, with a friendly hello and/or a small tip, the difference is quite amazing. They are the coal face of the hotel. And can make or break your stay.

 

[Boca68]

thank you for the response

Your welcome Pug. Enjoy your stay.

 

[Renato1]

Just remember, most of the people you deal with in Dubai aren't paid much. I tipped everybody - room cleaners, people who opened doors for me, taxi hailers - you name them, I tipped them (not necessarily all the time, but to those one sees a lot of).

Give them 5 Dirhams - next to nothing for us, but it makes them extremely happy.
Regards,
Renato