While completely off the map 10 years ago, Dubai is slowly emerging as a backpacker destination.
No, it’s still not cheap, but it is developing a decent hostel scene, and because of that, Dubai has become a bit more affordable.
I wrote this list of the 10 best hostels in Dubai to give you an idea of where the best places to stay in Dubai are.
I organized the different hostels into different categories, so you can book a hostel that fits your style, saves you money, and gets you exploring this fascinating Middle Eastern city!
So whether you are a solo traveler looking to party or a couple looking for some privacy, this list of the best hostels in Dubai will help you find the hostel that best fits your personal travel-style.
Let’s jump into the best hostels in Dubai…
Quick answer: The best hostels in Dubai
- Overall Best Hostel in Dubai – Grays Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Dubai – Papaya Backpacker’s
- Best Cheap Hostel in Dubai – Travelers – Dubai Marina Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Dubai – Lunar Hostel 96
What to Expect from Hostels in Dubai
Dubai is one of those cities that is truly a wonder to behold. It has the world’s largest building, the Burj Khalifa, luxury shopping at the Dubai Mall, and adrenaline-inducing desert safaris for the adventure junkies. But because there is so much to see and do, plus it’s one of the richest countries in the world, Dubai can get pretty expensive.
But contrary to belief, Dubai doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. In fact, there are many affordable hostels across the city that allow you to save some pennies on accommodation. But as you might expect from Dubai, budget hostels don’t mean scrimping out on luxury either.
Many hostels in Dubai come with high-end facilities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and sometimes rooftop terraces and balconies. I’ve listed a few of those in my guide below. There are many types of hostels in Dubai, cheap hostels, luxury hostels, and family-friendly hostels. So whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or a solo traveller, you’ll find a hostel for you.
If you’re looking for party hostels, you won’t find them here. Alcohol is only legal in specially licensed venues such as hotels and bars, so you can’t have a raving party in your dorm room. Sorry!
If you are backpacking Dubai, you’re going to want to keep costs down. This is why a hostel is such a good idea.
Generally speaking, the more luxurious penthouse hostels are more expensive than a Dubai youth hostel, but you can still find a few good deals around. When looking for a quality hostel in Dubai, there are a few things to take into consideration:
- Location – Dubai is quite a large city and it’s scorching hot throughout most of the year. Because of this, you’ll want to stay near the sites you want to see. Do you want to see the Burj Khalifa, or perhaps have a beach day on Jumeirah Beach, or if it’s a short layover, maybe you’ll want to stay near Dubai International Airport? Choosing a hostel near the metro is always a good idea if you want to explore the whole city.
- Price – As mentioned, Dubai is great, but it’s going to cost you. Spending less than $50 a day in Dubai is tough, but dorm rooms in hostels are a great way to keep costs down. One thing to keep an eye on is…
- Amenities – There aren’t a huge number of hostels in Dubai, but some of them offer more amenities than others. Often, hostels are of high quality and have tons of freebies, including free breakfasts and of course free internet access.
Speaking of things adding up, let’s talk about money. Dubai’s hostels normally have three options: dorms, private rooms and family rooms. The general rule here is the more beds in a room, the cheaper the price.
Obviously, you won’t have to pay as much for an 8-bed dorm as you would for a single-bed or private room. To give you a rough overview of Dubai’s prices, I’ve listed the average numbers below:
- Dorm room (mixed or female-only): $30-$80 USD/night
- Private room: $35-$150 USD/night
When looking for hostels, you’ll find the best options on HOSTELWORLD. This platform offers you a super safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs easily and find the perfect place for you.
When looking up Dubai hostels, you should consider where to stay in terms of neighborhood. Jumeirah is one of the most popular districts as it’s close to the beaches and also world-famous shopping. Old Dubai and Deira are the places to go to see the more historical attractions in the city. But if you’re travelling as a family, Downtown Dubai is a popular district.
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The 5 Best Hostels in Dubai in 2021
Travelling to Dubai on a budget is possible. What you can’t expect is super cheap prices like in South East Asia, but with the right tricks, you can spend quite a while in the UAE on a budget.
Before you start booking your accommodation, find out the places you want to visit in Dubai. The different neighborhoods have quite a bit price range, so you probably don’t want to end up in the most glamorous area if you want to keep some money in your account.
Once that’s clear, you can have a look at Dubai’s best hostels.
Grays Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Dubai
This hostel’s prime spot in Dubai Marina on the 35th floor means jaw-dropping views straight from your room window. The place is spotless and has everything you need, including a solid gym. Plus, everything’s right on your doorstep – supermarket, pharmacy, shops, tram, you name it.
The rooms and common areas are well-kept, and the staff are super friendly and always up for helping out. The balcony is absolute gold, with stunning views to match. If you’re after a comfy stay without blowing your budget, this is your go-to. Perfect for travellers wanting to experience Dubai without breaking the bank.
Papaya Backpacker’s – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Dubai
Papaya Backpacker’s will have you feeling right at home in no time. The people you meet here are something special, and the staff go above and beyond to make sure you’re taken care of. It’s proper hospitality done right. Check-in’s a breeze, they’ve got killer restaurant recommendations, and they might even join you for dinner – that’s how laid-back this place is. The location’s spot-on too, with major attractions and public transport just around the corner.
The dorms come with bunk curtains for that extra bit of privacy, and ensuite bathrooms mean you’ve got your own little space to lock the door and enjoy a shower, sink, and toilet all in one spot – a rare hostel luxury. It’s the little details that really stand out here. The vibes are solid, especially for backpackers looking to socialise and party. Solo travellers will have no trouble making mates. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a friendly, welcoming base in Dubai.
Wondering how big your Dubai Travel Budget should be? The city is known for its over-the-top restaurants, lifestyles, and attractions, but that doesn’t mean the city isn’t visitable for backpackers. There are plenty of ways to keep money in your bank account while exploring Dubai!
Travelers – Dubai Marina Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Dubai
Travellers Hostel JBR is a buzzing hub where nomads and travellers vibe together. The atmosphere is chill but perfect for getting stuff done, with clean, comfy spaces throughout.
The bathrooms are always fresh, the beds are spotless and they smell great – pretty much guaranteeing a good night’s sleep. The well-organised kitchen and cosy living room make it easy to kick back and connect with fellow travellers.
But the real highlight? That balcony terrace with unbeatable views of the marina yachts. Major props to the management for keeping everything on point, from the cleanliness to solid security with 24/7 CCTV and lockers. You’ve also got a gym, pool, and the beach just five minutes away, so convenience is the name of the game here. You get a lot of bang for your buck – who says Dubai can’t be done on a budget?
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View on Osprey View on REILunar Hostel 96 – Best Party Hostel in Dubai
Hostels in Dubai are never going to be ragers like in Europe but if you’re looking for a good time then Lunar Hostel 96 is a pretty good place to start. It’s in a damn near perfect location, near to the sea and metro so you’re everything you need to explore the city’s nightlife is at your fingertips.
The hostel is clean and modern, with a big kitchen, a spacious living area for meeting new people, and a chill balcony to relax on. The vibe here is laidback, with a friendly crowd always up for a good chat. Plus, the building’s swimming pool is perfect for cooling off or curing that hangover. The hosts are super lovely, keeping the place cosy and spotless, making it feel like a little oasis in the middle of the city.
WeStay Capsule Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads
This hostel is spot-on for anyone using Dubai as a base for a longer stay. The pod-style dorms give you the privacy you need for a solid night’s sleep, and the rooms stay nice and quiet. Free, reliable Wi-Fi makes it easy to knock out a few hours of work, and the regular fresh sheets and towels are a thoughtful bonus. The bathrooms are well-kept too.
You’re in a prime location, perfect for finding your go-to cafés and coworking spots. Plus, being close to Dubai’s historical sites means you can balance work with a bit of adventure. Each dorm has personal capsules that are roomy enough, with big, comfy beds, decent-sized lockers, and plenty of shelving and hanging space. All in all, this is a solid option for digital nomads kicking it back in Dubai for a while.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Hostels in Dubai
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, I’ve got more coming your way! There aren’t a huge amount of hostels in Dubai to choose from, but I do think I have found you the best. Enjoy!
Alphatel Beach Hostel JBR
Alphatel Beach Hostel JBR is located in the best part of the city in Marina’s Dubai. With one of Dubai’s top beaches right on your doorstep and the tram out back ready to whisk you to the metro, Marina Mall, or Palm Jumeirah, you’ve got everything you need at your fingertips. Supermarkets, restaurants, and Dubai’s buzzing nightlife are all just a stone’s throw away.
The hostel itself is super clean and organised, with daily fresh linen and towels. Stylishly designed with a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot to chill out and recharge in style.
The Aero Vacation Homes
What makes The Aero Vacation Homes stand out is the hosts—they’re super welcoming and helpful, making you feel like part of the family. You’ve got the choice between private or dorm rooms, all spacious with extra-large, comfy beds. The breakfast setup is low-key; just help yourself to whatever’s in the kitchen, and enjoy it on the balcony with an amazing view. It’s the perfect spot for laid-back chats with fellow travellers. There’s a local supermarket downstairs and a big mall nearby, so everything you need is right at your fingertips. A chilled, friendly vibe that won’t drain your wallet!
Dubai Beach Host
One of the best budget hostels in Dubai is Dubai Beach Host overlooking the Marina complete with its own pool and astro-turf terrace. If you’re looking for a Dubai backpackers hostel at JBR Beach you can’t beat Dubai Beach Host, you can see the sea from your dorm bed!
Thankfully there is A/C in all the rooms to help keep you cool in the sweltering Dubai sun. If you’re on a budget be sure to make use of the guest kitchen to avoid forking out tonnes of Dirham for a fancy feed.
Best Location Hostel
The best hostel for digital nomads in Dubai has to be Marina Dream. Right in the heart of the action, offering super-fast and unlimited free Wifi, digital nomads can tip-tap away while dangling their feet in the Marina Dream pool.
For digital nomads who like having a sense of ‘normality’ on the road then Marina Dream is the best hostel in Dubai; they offer free access to their fitness centre and have a great guest kitchen too meaning digital nomads can create a sense of routine while in the Middle East. Train, work, eat…repeat! What about exploring? No worries, after the work is done for the day digital nomads staying at Marina Bay are just 3-minutes to the Metro and 5-minutes from the beach!
BackPacker
BackPacker is hands down the best cheap hostel in Dubai. Offering super comfy beds within a bright and welcoming hostel, BackPacker is a simple but pretty darn-perfect youth hostel in Dubai. The Burjuman Metro Station is just a 5-minute walk from BackPacker and from there you can connect seamlessly to the Dubai Marina, the Burj Khalifa, Golden Souk – you’ll have all of Dubai’s best attractions on your doorstep (well, almost…). For travellers wanting to experience a more authentic side of Dubai be sure to book a bed at BackPacker as they are based in the heart of historic Dubai.
Wonder how to spend a weekend in Dubai? Head over to our insider’s Weekend in Dubai guide!
What to Pack for your Dubai Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Dubai
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Dubai.
How much does hostels cost in Dubai?
Hostels in Dubai can go as low as $15 a night. While not necessarily cheap, your wallet will thank you a ton for not crashing at a hotel!
What are the best hostels in Dubai for couples?
Saffron Boutique Hotel is our pick for the best hostel for couples in Dubai. It’s comfy, has a fitness centre and a gorgeous pool.
Travel Safety Tips for Dubai
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Hostels in Dubai
So that’s the end of my epic guide to the best hostels in Dubai. I hope it has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Remember, location is key because of the extremely hot weather and it’s a large city to get around. I would think very carefully about the best time to visit Dubai before you book your stay.
However, once you’ve decided to go you won’t be disappointed! If you’re ever stuck for where to stay, I would always go for my overall favourite hostel, the Grays Hostel. This high-rated hostel has all the luxury amenities you could ask for and a reasonable price to match. What more could you want?
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Dubai for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Dubai covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Dubai before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Dubai to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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