Dubai Spa Tips and Massage Etiquette in October 2025

When you step into a Dubai spa, a premium wellness destination blending traditional Arabic rituals with modern therapy techniques. Also known as Arabic spa, it offers more than just relaxation—it’s a cultural experience where knowing the rules makes all the difference. Whether you’re getting a $100 massage or trying a Moroccan hammam, the right knowledge keeps you comfortable, respectful, and confident. Tipping isn’t just polite here—it’s expected, but not always obvious. Locals and regulars know the standard is 10% to 15% for a $100 session, but what about a $200 treatment? Or a Thai massage where the therapist uses their elbows and feet? You don’t need to guess. The answers are simple, and they’re grounded in what actually happens on the ground in Dubai.

Massage tipping, the practice of giving gratuity to therapists based on service quality and local norms. Also known as spa gratuity, it’s not optional in many places—it’s part of the therapist’s income. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. A 60-minute session? A couples massage? A body-to-body therapy? Each has its own unwritten rules. Then there’s the Thai massage, a dynamic form of bodywork using pressure points, stretches, and rhythmic compression. Also known as traditional Thai massage, it’s wildly popular in Dubai, but many visitors wonder: does it include the buttocks? Is it safe? Do you need to wear clothes? These aren’t silly questions—they’re practical ones. The same goes for body-to-body massage, a technique where the therapist uses their body to apply pressure, often misunderstood as sensual but rooted in deep tissue therapy. Also known as deep pressure massage, it’s gaining traction among those seeking intense relief, but only if done right. And then there’s the hammam, a traditional steam bath ritual from Morocco that detoxifies, exfoliates, and resets your nervous system. Also known as Moroccan bath, it’s a staple in Dubai’s top spas, and knowing how to do it properly turns a routine visit into a true reset.

You’ll find all these topics covered in clear, no-fluff guides here. No marketing jargon. No vague advice. Just what works: how much to tip, what to wear, how to use a body scrub without irritation, whether coffee after a sauna is smart, and if cupping can really help loose skin. You’ll also learn about gender in the industry—how many male therapists are actually working, and why it shouldn’t matter when you’re choosing someone skilled. Every article is written for someone who’s been confused before, or is about to walk into a spa and doesn’t want to feel out of place. These aren’t theoretical tips. They’re the real deal, pulled from what locals do, what therapists say, and what actually keeps people coming back. Below, you’ll find everything you need to make your next Dubai spa visit smooth, respectful, and deeply relaxing.