A bed space is the cheapest way to live in Dubai: you rent one bed in a shared room, usually with a shared kitchen and bathroom, on a monthly basis with no yearly contract. For many people arriving for a new job it is the first home in the city, and a good one can be clean, quiet and close to the metro.
What a bed space costs right now
These figures come straight from the live listings on Stayshay and update automatically. "From" is the cheapest bed in that area today; "typical" is the middle price.
| Area | From / month | Typical | Live |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deira, Dubai | AED 400 | AED 650 | 4 |
| Bur Dubai, Dubai | AED 500 | AED 700 | 5 |
| Al Barsha 1, Dubai | AED 500 | AED 650 | 3 |
| Al Nahda (Sharjah), Sharjah | AED 500 | AED 500 | 1 |
| Al Karama, Dubai | AED 550 | AED 550 | 1 |
| Al Qasimia (Sharjah), Dubai | AED 550 | AED 550 | 1 |
| Naif, Dubai | AED 600 | AED 600 | 1 |
| Port Saeed, Dubai | AED 600 | AED 600 | 1 |
| Al Raffa, Dubai | AED 700 | AED 700 | 1 |
| Al Nahda (Dubai), Dubai | AED 800 | AED 850 | 2 |
| Al Quoz, Dubai | AED 800 | AED 800 | 1 |
| Umm Hurair 1, Dubai | AED 800 | AED 800 | 1 |
What should be included in the rent
- Bills (DEWA, Wi-Fi, gas). Most bed spaces include them. If not, ask for the average monthly share in writing.
- Deposit. Often one month or less. Get a receipt and agree when it comes back.
- People per room. "Executive" bed spaces usually mean 2–3 people per room and a proper bed, not a bunk.
- Cleaning, laundry and cooking rules. Ask who cleans shared areas and whether cooking is allowed.
- Notice period. One month is normal. Agree it before moving in.
Best areas for a cheap bed space
Older, central neighbourhoods have the most choice and the shortest commutes by metro: Bur Dubai, Al Karama, Deira and Al Barsha near Mall of the Emirates. International City and Al Nahda are cheaper but need a bus or a longer ride.
Bed Space (Single only)
Al Karama · 19 min to ADCB (Al Karama)
Bunk Bed Space (Filipino Female only)
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) · 11 min to Sobha Realty
Executive Bed Space near Metro (Indian Male only)
Bur Dubai
Bed Space (Indian Male only)
Al Nahda (Sharjah) · 42 min to Stadium
Bed Space in a Shared Bedroom (Single only)
Discovery Gardens
Bed Space (for Muslim Male only)
Al Raffa · 17 min to Sharaf DG (Al Fahidi)
Checks before you pay
- Visit in person, at the time of day you'd normally come home.
- Meet the person who collects the rent and ask whether they are the owner, the main tenant or an agent.
- If the main tenant is sub-letting, ask whether the landlord has agreed in writing.
- Pay the deposit only after the viewing, and always get a receipt.
Tip: Tell Shay your budget and where you work, and it will shortlist bed spaces for you, including bills-included and no-deposit ones.
Tell us what you need
Budget, area and move-in date. We'll WhatsApp you matching places, free.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a bed space in Dubai per month?
It depends on the area and how many people share the room. Stayshay shows today's cheapest and typical price for every area, updated from live listings.
Is a bed space legal in Dubai?
Shared housing is common, but overcrowding and unpermitted partitions are not allowed. Choose a place where the landlord has agreed to sharing and the room isn't overcrowded.
Do I need Ejari for a bed space?
Ejari is registered by the person holding the tenancy contract for the whole unit. As a bed-space renter you usually won't be on it, so keep your receipts and written terms.
Can I rent a bed space for one month?
Yes. Most bed spaces are monthly with about one month's notice.