If you're looking for a bed space, partition or room, you'll probably check several sites and a few Facebook and WhatsApp groups. Here's what each one is good for, so you can spend your time where the right listings are.
Dubizzle
The UAE's biggest classifieds site, with a large "Rooms for rent" section. It has the most volume, posted by owners, tenants and agents. The trade-off is that listings vary a lot in detail and quality, so you'll filter and message a lot.
Bayut and Property Finder
The two big property portals. They're best for renting or buying a whole apartment or villa, usually through a licensed agent, on yearly contracts. Shared rooms are a small part of what they list.
Facebook and WhatsApp groups
Fast and free, with lots of bed spaces, but nothing is checked and scams are common. Never pay before a viewing.
Stayshay
Built only for affordable monthly living: bed spaces, partitions, rooms, studios and roommates. Every listing shows the monthly rent, deposit, upfront cost and whether bills are included before you message anyone. Listings are reviewed before they go live, and the Verified badge shows when a lister has given landlord consent (and a permit for partitions). It's free for renters, and Shay, our assistant, can shortlist places for you, on the site or inside ChatGPT and Claude.
Side by side
- Best for whole apartments on a yearly lease: Bayut, Property Finder.
- Most listings of every kind: Dubizzle.
- Monthly shared housing with full costs and checks shown: Stayshay.
Fully Furnished Studio (Family only)
Al Qasimia (Sharjah)
60% below the typical AED 4,500 · Bills included · No upfront fees
Unfurnished Studio (Male only)
Hor Al Anz · 8 min to Abu Hail
49% below the typical AED 4,500 · Bills included · 8 min to metro
Capsule Partition Room near Metro (Single only)
Al Mankhool · 12 min to ADCB (Al Karama)
43% below the typical AED 1,400 · Bills included · No upfront fees
Fully Furnished Room
Abu Shagara (Sharjah)
43% below the typical AED 3,500 · Bills included · No upfront fees
Ask Shay, here or in ChatGPT and Claude
Search live Stayshay listings in plain words, wherever you chat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best website to find a room in Dubai?
For monthly shared housing with the full cost shown up front, use a dedicated site like Stayshay. For whole apartments on yearly contracts, use Bayut or Property Finder. Dubizzle has the most volume overall.
Is Stayshay free?
Yes. There's no fee or commission for renters, and listing a place is free.