I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Dubai and here's what happened
Written by Anna Kiefer| Last update: Aug 14, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
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Looking for a hostel that feels secureĀ andserves instant friends? That was my checklist when I booked Nowmade Capsule Experience ā Cosy Hills JBR Beach, and it ticked every box within hours of arrival.
- Felt welcome the moment the receptionist offered free Arabic coffee.
- Met beach-volleyball partners before I even unpacked.
- Slept like a log thanks to black out pods and zero party noise in the halls.
Two nights later, I wasnāt just a guestāIād found a mini-community that made Dubai feel doable on a backpacker budget.
Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Dubai
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Hostel Price Statistics & Key Numbers in Dubai
| Total number of hostels | 117 |
| Typical dorm bed prices in Dubai | $8 |
| Private room costs in Dubai | $41 |
| Cheapest hostel in Dubai | Femina Female Hostel - Only Female for only $7 |
| Popular Party Hostel in Dubai | Urban Panda Skyview Hostel Jbr (33 hostels for partying in total) |
| Where to stay in Dubai on a budget? | Bur Dubai, Deira, Al Qusais Area |
Location ā Beachfront Fun, Zero Taxi Bills
Set inside Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), the hostel sits:
- 2-minute walk to the public beach & The Walk promenade.
- 4 minutes to JBR 1 tram stop (connects to DMCC Metro).
- 1-minute to 24 hr supermarket, ATMs, pharmacy.
Even late at night the area is well-lit, busy, and patrolled, so I felt totally at ease grabbing shawarma solo after midnight. With the tram + metro combo, I hit Old Dubai, Expo City, and the fountain shows without haggling with taxi drivers.
Social Vibes ā Where Strangers Turn into Sunrise Crew
- Chill surfer-meets-futuristic feel: beanbags, surf photos, neon pod glow.
- Daily sunset beach meet-ups (staff bring a volleyball).
- Weekly budget desert safari & Marina night-cruise sign-up sheet.
- Tiny cowork corner guarantees youāll find someone editing photos or swapping SIM-card tips.
I joined a sunrise yoga session on JBR sandsāorganized by another guest in the group chatāthen we hit a budget falafel joint together.
Zero organised āforced fun,ā yet making friends felt effortless.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Dubai
- Top of Marina
- Nas Villa Luxury Hostels
- Dubai Mall Hostel - best for Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Luxury Rizq Villa Dorm - best for Family-Friendly Hostel
- Rovers Hostel - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
Rooms ā Space-Age Pods with Real Privacy
- Climate-controlled capsules with blackout curtain + fresh linens.
- USB, Type-C, universal plug, reading light in every pod.
- Full-length lockers (carry-on & daypack fit together).
- 8ā12-capsule mixed dorms&female-only dorm.
- Memory-foam mattress & two pillowsāmy jet-lag vanished.
Amenities ā Little Extras That Stretch Your Budget
- Fast Wi-Fi (video calls held steady).
- Compact kitchen: induction hobs, microwave, fridge, free spices.
- Rooftop plunge pool shared with building residents.
- Laundry room (coin-op) + free towel & hair-dryer rental.
- Key-card everywhere; 24 hr reception with comfy sofas.
- Filtered water dispensersāditch single-use bottles.
Safety ā Peace of Mind for Solo Women
- Electronic wristbands open both dorm & lockerāno randoms wandering in.
- CCTV covers pods hallway, kitchen, and entrance.
- Reception staffed 24/7 (I returned at 02:00 and still got a cheerful āwelcome backā).
- Female-only pod room located beside front desk for extra comfort.
Honestly felt safer here than in many European hostels. Only gripe: small lockers near the pool arenāt lockableāleave valuables upstairs.
How much are hostels in Dubai?
Let's talk about hostel prices in Dubai. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Dubai
Average Private Room Price per Month in Dubai
Price ā Dubai Value Without the Sticker Shock
Rates sit firmly in the āaffordable for Dubaiā rangeāhigher than Asia, lower than Gulf hotels. Your nightly fee includes:
- Bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, rooftop pool access.
- Free Arabic coffee & dates each morning.
- Weekly social events (yoga mats provided!).
Extras: breakfast buffet, desert trips, coin laundry. Considering the beachfront location and sleek capsule comfort, I felt my dirhams went far.
Final Verdict ā 9.3Ā / 10 & Worth Booking Ahead
- Pros:top-notch safety, unbeatable beach access, instant friend-factor, dreamy mattress.
- Cons:kitchen gets crowded at dinner; sand sneaks into pods.
If youāre a sociable backpacker who values solid sleep and easy metro links, Nowmade Capsule Experience feels like cheating Dubaiās luxury price tagāwithout missing the fun.
Pro Tip:Female-only pods sell out fastestāgrab them as soon as your travel dates are firm.
Backpacking Dubai? Here's What You Need to Know
These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!
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About the author: Anna Kiefer
My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isnāt about counting countries or ticking off lists; itās about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.
Whether itās finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, Iām here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey ā they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.
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