Tipping customs in the Middle East vary widely depending on the country and type of service. While some nations have an ingrained tipping culture, others consider gratuity optional. To ensure respectful and appropriate tipping, here’s a country-by-country guide to tipping across the Middle East.

General Tipping Guidelines in the Middle East

Before diving into specifics, here are general tipping norms across the region:

• Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary in many countries, especially if a service charge is not included.
• Hotels: Bellboys, housekeeping, and concierge staff often expect small tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Rounding up the fare is common, but some drivers may expect an additional tip.
• Tour Guides & Drivers: Tipping is customary in the tourism industry, especially for private tours.
• Spas & Salons: A small tip of 10–15% is often expected in high-end establishments.

Country-Specific Tipping Trends

Here’s a breakdown of tipping etiquette in some of the Middle East’s most visited destinations.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.)

• Restaurants: A 10% tip is common if a service charge is not included.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
• Hotels: Bellboys (AED 5–10 per bag), housekeeping (AED 10–20 per night), and concierge (AED 20–50) appreciate tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Rounding up the fare is standard.
• Tour Guides: AED 50–100 per person for full-day tours.

Saudi Arabia

• Restaurants: 10–15% is appreciated in higher-end restaurants, but tipping is not expected in casual eateries.
• Cafés & Bars: Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up is courteous.
• Hotels: Housekeeping (SAR 10–20 per night), bellboys (SAR 10–20 per bag), and concierge (SAR 50–100) accept tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Rounding up is polite but not required.
• Tour Guides: SAR 50–100 per person for a full-day tour.

Turkey

• Restaurants: A 5–10% tip is standard, as service charges are not always included.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
• Hotels: Housekeeping (₺10–₺20 per night), bellboys (₺10–₺20 per bag), and concierge (₺50–₺100) appreciate tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Rounding up is common but not required.
• Tour Guides: ₺100–₺200 per person for full-day tours.

Egypt

• Restaurants: A 10% tip is customary, even if a service charge is included.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up or leaving small change is common.
• Hotels: Housekeeping (EGP 20–50 per night), bellboys (EGP 20–50 per bag), and concierge (EGP 100–200) accept tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Rounding up or adding a small tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides: EGP 200–500 per person for full-day tours.

Jordan

• Restaurants: 10% is customary, especially if a service charge is not included.
• Cafés & Bars: Rounding up is standard.
• Hotels: Housekeeping (JOD 1–3 per night), bellboys (JOD 1–3 per bag), and concierge (JOD 5–10) appreciate tips.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Rounding up or adding a small tip is polite.
• Tour Guides: JOD 5–20 per person for a full-day tour.

Final Thoughts

Tipping customs across the Middle East depend on cultural norms and tourism influence. Understanding local practices ensures respectful and appropriate gratuity. When in doubt, tipping around 10–15% for services is a good rule of thumb!