UAE tipping: Workers' second salary, up to Dh1,000 tips.

Image credit-Khaleej Times

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the service sector plays a crucial role in enhancing the daily experiences of residents and visitors alike. From delivering essentials to providing hospitality services, workers in this sector often go the extra mile, aiming to exceed customer expectations. At the forefront of their respective companies, these workers, recognized as the face of the service industry, frequently find themselves reaping additional rewards beyond their regular salaries in the form of tips.

Tipping has become an ingrained practice in the UAE, where customers express their appreciation for exceptional service through gratuities. While there is no mandated tipping amount, and practices vary, with some patrons offering 10 to 15 percent or rounding off the bill, the generosity of customers can significantly impact the income of service workers. In a country known for its generosity, both Emiratis and expatriates alike are known to be generous tippers, with some workers attesting to receiving tips as substantial as Dh1,000.

Abdul Waheed, a Careem captain, shares his experience, noting that customers tend to be more generous on longer trips and intercity services. Factors such as cleanliness, personal hygiene, and in-car amenities play a role in influencing passengers to express their gratitude through tips. Waheed recalls a particularly noteworthy instance where he received a Dh1,000 tip for ensuring a customer reached a stadium in Al Ain on time for a football match. The unexpected generosity motivated him to maintain high standards in his services.

Benga Tamen Ivo, a waiter at Couqley, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of personal connections with guests. Ivo recalls receiving a Dh700 tip from a couple as a token of appreciation for his service and recommendations. This encounter not only resulted in a substantial tip but also cultivated a genuine friendship, making the restaurant feel like home for the patrons.

In the age of digital apps, where transactions are increasingly conducted online, Umair Ali, a delivery driver at Washmen, observes a shift in tipping practices. While most tips are now given through apps, personal touches continue to matter. Ali recounts a heartwarming incident during Christmas when a customer personally handed him an envelope with a tip that exceeded his expectations. He emphasizes the significance of tips in supporting additional expenses and providing financial support to families back home.

The distribution of tips varies among service staff, depending on company policies. Some establishments ensure equal distribution among staff, while others allow individual workers to retain the tips they receive. In the delivery industry, apps often give customers the option to tip riders, with 100 percent of these tips going directly to the riders.

Antonio Al Asmar, the UAE general manager of Careem Rides, sheds light on the tipping culture within the ride-hailing industry. Careem prioritizes providing users with a reliable, convenient, and stress-free commuting experience. Customers can express their appreciation for the efforts of Careem Captains through a tipping feature, allowing them to conveniently give a tip at the end of their trip. This flexibility enables customers to show their generosity either through credit card transactions or in cash.

Washmen, a laundry service provider, has implemented a tipping feature on its app, ensuring a fair distribution of tips among drivers. Sundus Awan, operations manager at Washmen, emphasizes the role of tips in complementing drivers' salaries and contributing to their overall income. For these workers, tips play a crucial role in supporting a comfortable life in Dubai and providing for their families.

Duncan Kabiru, assistant restaurant manager at Couqley, underscores the impact of prioritizing customer care on tipping practices. Establishing a personal connection with guests not only encourages tipping but also fosters a positive environment within the restaurant. Tips received are typically fairly distributed among the restaurant staff, creating a collaborative and supportive work culture.

In conclusion, tipping in the UAE has evolved into a meaningful aspect of the service industry, reflecting the generosity and appreciation of customers. Service workers, often the unsung heroes of daily life, find motivation and financial support through these gratuities. The diverse experiences shared by workers across different sectors highlight the significance of tips, not only as a form of monetary reward but also as a means of building connections and fostering a culture of gratitude and reciprocity within the vibrant service industry of the UAE.

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