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by Barbara Yakimchuk

Escape the Ordinary: Airbnb Stays In the UAE

24 Jul 2025

I have spent the last few days deep in the Airbnb rabbit hole — trying every trick and keyword I could think of, from "unexpected design" to “arabic style,” all in search of the most unique and eye-catching places to stay. And finally, I have got THAT list: the coolest spots you will find on Airbnb in the UAE. Some are surprisingly affordable and ready to book right now, while others are just waiting to be saved for that perfect special occasion.

Khor Fakkan

The home lost in the mountains
I am one of those people who instantly starts painting pictures in their head the moment they hear even the tiniest snippet of a story. So when I was reading our Chief Editor’s notes on her Digital Detox — even though she was technically around 4,000 kilometres away — I imagined the place looking exactly like this villa in Khor Fakkan. It is where my mind drifted to, almost effortlessly.
It just fits — that perfect blend of stillness, nature, and effortless style.
It is the kind of getaway we all dream about: roasting marshmallows by the fire pit in the evening, finally opening that book that has been waiting for its moment, gently swaying on the Arabic-style swing in the morning, and sharing the sweetest watermelon with a view after afternoon tea.
Price: From 2,297 AED per night

Dubai

A flat straight out of an Arabian fairytale
If you have ever dreamed of turning your home into an Arabic fairytale — all patterned carpets, floor poufs, low sofas and scattered cushions — but your landlord isn’t exactly on board with the makeover… here is your chance to live the look, if only for a day or two.
This Airbnb absolutely nails the vibe. So bring your Moroccan teapot, swing by a local market for some fresh dates (maybe even a shisha), and step into an Arabian dream — no renovation required.
Price: From 779 AED for 3 nights
A flat with a ceiling hammock
Two-storey flats are already my weakness — but when the second floor is actually a giant net hammock, layered with pillows and blankets? That is a literal childhood dream.
I am not even sure what it reminds me of most — floating at sea in a little boat, scanning the waves for dolphins, or swinging in my grandmother’s garden hammock, halfway through my third ice cream of the day.
All I know is, it feels incredibly cosy — and just a little bit magical.
Price: From 1,494 AED for 2 nights
Villa with a Pinterest-worthy pool
This place is effortlessly cool — a spacious five-bedroom villa with a terrace for your morning coffee, a PlayStation for the homebodies, and an en-suite bathroom in every room. But let’s be honest, if that were all, it wouldn’t have made the list. What makes it special? The pool, of course — and yes, I have already given it away in the title.
With its transparent edges flowing into a sunken lounge, it is basically made for TikToks and golden-hour hangs. Just picture yourself as a mermaid, gliding through the water while your family is outside barbecuing — completely unaware of your underwater adventures.
Price: From 2,773 AED per night

Fujairah

Authentic villa for the perfect escape
This one is another Arabic fairytale — but let’s just say… on a slightly more elevated level.
If you have got local friends, you have probably heard the stories: escaping the city, singing around a fire, and counting stars usually hidden by Dubai’s bright lights. Well, this is exactly that kind of place.
The villa feels like an ancient fortress, with multiple majlis-style seating areas, mountain and palm views, and soft decorative lighting that makes everything feel extra cosy. It sleeps up to 10, so if you are planning a group getaway, it won’t break the bank either.
Price: From 4,019 AED for 2 nights

Ras Al Khaimah

The house with the horse stables
This is that kind of Arabic farm — horses in the stables, goats roaming around, and cactuses growing wild in the garden. Out back, there is a patio with Arabic-style cushions (because no real Arab gathering skips a good majlis, right?) — plus, a proper barbecue area to go with it.
Price: 1,790 AED per night