The Best Hostels to Book in Dubai, UAE

Boat rides are a great way to explore Dubai Creek
Boat rides are a great way to explore Dubai Creek | © Jason Knott / Alamy Stock Photo
Joe Bindloss

Dubai is the Gulf dream made real – a former desert outpost transformed within a few short decades into a shimmering garden of malls, hotels and skyscrapers. Sprawling along the shores of the Persian Gulf, this futuristic megacity hosts some of the most lavish hotels in the world. But there are pocket-friendly hostels in Dubai, too – which can be simple or surprisingly luxurious. Book your stay now with Culture Trip.

1. Backpacker top 10, for easy access to beaches

Hostel

Swimming pool at the Backpacker top 10 in Dubai
Courtesy of Backpacker top 10 / Expedia

Close to the surreal, palm-shaped island housing the Palm Jumeirah complex, this agreeable hostel pairs simply furnished but bright and uncluttered dorm rooms with air conditioning, fast wifi and other travel essentials. It’s set in a Barsha Heights tower, and there are loads of Dubai sights just a short cab ride away. Beaches sprawl all around the Palm Jumeirah, and you’re well located for trips to Ski Dubai, the Burj al Arab Tower and edge-of-town sights such as Legoland Dubai. It’s a good choice for a calm, pocket-friendly stay, close to big-hitting Dubai attractions and with a view out over the skyscrapers.

2. Bombay Backpackers DXB, for high-rise hostelling

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Simple dorm at the Bombay Backpackers DXB in Dubai with a view of the Ain Dubai Observation Wheel
Courtesy of Bombay Backpackers DXB / Expedia

The windows of this popular high-rise hostel look towards the Persian Gulf, the towering Ain Dubai Observation Wheel and busy Marina Beach, which sits just 0.5km (0.3mi) away. With the bright lights of Dubai on your doorstep, you can’t fault the location. There’s also al fresco dining within easy walking distance by the Marina, so you can enjoy Dubai’s welcome drop in temperatures after dark. The mixed or women-only dorms are simple but comfortable, with spotless tiled floors, bunk beds, air conditioning and wifi, and there’s an astroturf-covered balcony and a lounge with a foosball table, which you don’t get with every Dubai hostel.

3. KSK Homes, for a full roster of facilities

Hostel

Cosy and stylish bedroom at KSK Homes in Dubai, with modern decor
Courtesy of KSK Homes / Expedia

Part of a vast student complex at Dubai International Academic City, KSK Homes is part halls of residence for global students studying in Dubai and part hostel for those just passing through. Guests get access to an open-all-hours gym, pool tables, a computer gaming room, a pool terrace, complimentary shuttle buses and a handy kitchen and restaurant. Rooms have more character than the average Dubai hostel, too, with bright, friendly colours, pot plants, art prints, spotless bathrooms, efficient air conditioning and fast wifi. You’re a bus or taxi ride from the seafront and downtown, but not too far from Dubai Creek and Dubai International Airport.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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