Whether you are setting up home or moving house, you’ll have to spend time looking for white goods. In Abu Dhabi, unfurnished really means unfurnished and you’ll have to fork out for the most standard items, even curtain rails. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of places where you can buy the necessary appliances and electronics, with most international brands sold here. Competition is high, so prices are reasonable and most dealers will offer warranties. You’ll find a similar range of products in all of the electronics stores.

There are several stores dedicated to electronics and appliances in each of the larger malls and you’ll find sections in the hypermarkets stocking a superb selection of goods from well-known brands (and some lesser known ones that also do the job). They usually offer a delivery and installation service too. Everything from top-of-the-range televisions, games consoles, fridges, ovens, irons and kettles are covered, although it can be worth waiting for the sales if you can as the price drops are noticeable. Or, if money is not so tight, the likes of Bang & Olufsen and Bose offer a pricey, but undeniably stylish, range of home goods.

You can buy water coolers and water dispensers in all the larger supermarkets, or you can get them directly from the companies that deliver bottled water. These can be a surprisingly crucial first purchase when you move to Abu Dhabi.

On all electronic goods, it’s important to check that the warranty is valid internationally, as you may wish to take items back to your home country. Also make sure that the item will work in all parts of the world and find out whether you will have to pay any import duty if you do return home. Find out who will service the items if there are problems too. For second-hand items, check the adverts placed on supermarket noticeboards and online classifieds, like dubizzle.com.