Best & Cheap Backpacker Hostels in Dubai in 2024! [pics included]

Thinking of backpacking through Dubai but wondering where to stay? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. While we’ve already provided you with a list of things to do while in Dubai, we want to help plan the rest of your trip. Read on for the best backpackers hostels in Dubai, especially for when you’re on a budget!

What qualifies as a great hostel?

It really depends! For some, it may be the social aspect. For others, it may be the quality of the rooms or working spaces. For us, we dig through all of the reviews written by fellow travelers to compile up a list of great hostels for your convenience.

If you’re looking for highly-rated hostels in Dubai, look no further than this list! While Dubai is becoming a more popular location, hostels aren’t necessarily the norm for places to stay. While there are some in Dubai, you will not have an unending number of choices.

All ratings are pulled from Hostelworld or Booking.com. Here are some hostels in Dubai that score highly with travelers!

Dubai Beach Hostel

If you’re looking for luxury while staying somewhere on a hostel budget, this 9.8/10 star-rated hostel is for you. Located at JBR Beach, Dubai Beach Hostel has sea views, a gym, a basketball court, and even a pool! Just look at what their pool looks like, we can see why so many travelers liked their stays here!

Best Location Dubai

You can probably deduce why this hostel rates so highly amongst travelers (we’ll give you a clue, it’s in the name!).

With 8.8/10 stars, Best Location Dubai is well situated in Dubai Marina, and directly opposite the metro for easy transportation to/from the airport. On top of that, you’ll have a balcony in your room, access to a gym and a swimming pool - it sounds like a dream! Be advised that payment is only accepted upon arrival and in cash.  

Heartland Hostel

Located 1km away from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, Heartland Hostel lives up to its name. Two of the dorms in this three-dorm hostel have balconies, and their fabulous 8.9/10 stars rating reflects the combination of location and “stylish sleep.” Towels are also included, and that’s a win in our book!

Expo Stay

Whether you’re headed to Dubai for Expo 2020 or not, Expo Stay hostel is an excellent choice. With a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool, you’ll be able to get some rest and relaxation after a long day of exploring Dubai. While this hostel isn’t in the city center, you’re only a 15-20 minute metro-wide away from the beach or the mall. 

Green Sky Apartment

If you’re looking for less of a dorm vibe and more of an apartment vibe for your hostel stay in Dubai, Green Sky Apartment is the place for you! Located near the Financial Centre metro, and with access to a gym and swimming pool, it’s no wonder this place rates 9.8/10 stars. You’ll even get a beautiful view of the sea and lake from your apartment!

Bollywood Beach Hostel

If you’re keen on being close to the beach, the location of Bollywood Beach Hostel in Dubai couldn’t be better. Not only that, but you’ll have access to free bikes, a bar, a lounge, and a shared garden in addition to a fitness center, pool, and a beautiful sea view.

The accommodation type includes a 10 person mixed dorm, six-person mixed dorm, and six-person female dorm. With a fabulous 8.7/10 star rating on Booking.com, this is a guaranteed hit of a hostel!

Bombay Backpackers DXB

A newer hostel in Dubai (opened in 2019), Bombay Backpackers DXB is perfect for backpackers (who would have thought?).

You’ll have access to a shared kitchen, and while it doesn’t boast some of the fancier amenities other hostels might, this means that your nightly cost is great for a budget. You can choose between a bunk in a mixed dormitory room or a six-bed female-only dorm. With an 8.2/10 star rating as well, it’s clear other travelers have enjoyed their stay here!

California Hostel Dubai Beach

Close to Marina Beach, California Hostel Dubai Beach is a fabulous (8.7/10 stars) hostel for backpackers over the age of 18. With several different room options, including private rooms, dorms, female-only, and apartments, you can fit any budget at this hostel. You’ll also have access to a seasonal swimming pool, and a fitness center!

Female-friendly hostels

While hostels do tend to offer female-only dorms, some backpackers might feel more comfortable in a female-only hostel. If this is your style of a hostel, there’s one in Dubai! 

‍AnaRuby Bedspace is an exclusive female-only hostel located 0.9 miles from the Mall of the Emirates. They offer a paid airport shuttle service from Dubai International, and all guest rooms come with a kettle, shared bathroom with a hairdryer, and bed linens. 

To Dubai we go!

Now that you’ve got some hostel inspiration for Dubai, you can get onto the rest of your travel plans! If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, fear not, we want to help! You can read some of our top hostel tips including hostel etiquette to prepare you for your next trip. 

Whether you’re headed to Dubai tomorrow, in a year, or it’s just on your travel bucket list, its never too early to start planning for your trip with Pilot!