So you’re moving into unfurnished apartment or villa in Abu Dhabi -- want the most for your money, with a lot of options? (And maybe a chance to pocket leftover furniture allowance money?) Consider shopping at IKEA UAE, the famous Swedish company, specializing in furniture -- and more -- with franchises in 42 countries. For your convenience, IKEA UAE will install and transport free of charge if you spend more than AED2,500 (US$681) at their store.

And remember: There is no sales tax!

Note: The exchange rate between the American dollar (US$) and the UAE Dirham (dh or AED) is US$1=AED3.67.

Living Room

• Sofa (2-seater): wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED475 to 6,750 (US$124 to US$1,839)
  
• Sofa (3-seater): wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED500 to 7,795 (US$136 to $2,124)
  
• Futon/Sleeper Sofa (double): wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED595 to 3,795 (US$162 to $1,034)
  
• Daybed: AED1,175 to 2,545 (US$320 to $693)
  
• Coffee Table: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED95 to 995 (US$26 to $271)
  
• End Table: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED35 to 475 (US$10 to $129)
  
• Chair: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED100 to 1,575 (US$27 to $429)
  

Bedroom

• Bed Frame: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED475 to 2,295 (US$129 to $625)
  
• Mattress: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED525 to 3,345 (US$143 to $911)
  
• Bedside Table: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED175 to 395 (US$48 to $108)
  
• Dresser/Chest of Drawers (Wardrobes are also available): wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED115 to 2,245 ($31 to $611)
  
• Pillows: AED7.75 to 195 (US$2 to $53)
  
• Quilt: AED17 to 375 (US$5 to $102)
  
• Quilt Cover + Pillow Cases: AED49 to 445 (US$13 to $121)
  

Eat-in Kitchen/Dining Room

• Table + 4 Chairs: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED475 to 3,025 (US$129 to $824)
  
• Table + 2 Chairs: AED400 to 965 (US$109 to $263)
  
• Tables: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED195 to 2,945 (US$53 to $802)
  
• Dining Room/Kitchen Chairs: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED100 to 725 (US$27 to $198)
  

Miscellaneous

• Lamps: wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED19 to 595 (US$5 to $162)
• Cutlery/Flatware (24-piece set): AED79 to 199 ($20 to $54)
  
• Dinnerware/Place Settings (plates, etc., 18-piece set): AED95 to 175 (US$26 to $48)
  
• Cooking Utensils: AED11.75 to 173 (US$3 to $48)
  
• Individual pieces of Cutlery/Flatware: AED4 to 99 (US$1 to $18)
  
• Glasses (6-piece set): AED4 to 29 (US$1+ to $8)
  
• Glasses (4-piece set): AED 11 to 15 (US$3 to $4)
  
• Glasses (individual): AED5 to 15 (US$1+ to $4)
  
• Mugs (individual): AED2 to 17 (US 50 cents to $5)
  
• Cookware Sets (5-piece): AED45 (US$12)
  
• Cookware Sets (7-piece): AED145 to 445 (US$40 to $121)
  
• Pots (individual): wide range of options, with prices ranging from AED21 to 225 (US$6 to $61)
  
• Food Storage Containers: wide range of options (singles and multi-packs), with prices ranging from AE7 to 25 (US$2 to $7)
  
• Shower curtain: AED15 to 75 (US$4 to $20)
  
• Towels: AED12 to 55 (US$3 to $15)
  

Electronics & Appliances

But you might also be responsible for electronics and appliances. For those going to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's (CCAD) Rihan Heights accommodation, we have been told that the units have a stove, but do not have other appliances.

So one place to consider is Carrefour, which is a French retailer, with locations in the Middle East (and elsewhere). To North American eyes, Carrefour is similar to a Wal-Mart.

Here are some sample prices for appliances at the Carrefour UAE:

TVs

• TCL 32” LED TV AED699 to 849 (various varieties, sale and non-sale prices) (US$190 to $231)
  
• Sharp LED TV 32” AED799 to 1,099 (various varieties, sale and non-sale prices) (US$217 to $299)
  
• Philips 32” LED TV AED899 to 1,099 (various varieties, sale and non-sale prices) ($245 to $299)
  
• Toshiba LED TV 32” AED1,079 to 1,399 (various varieties, sale and non-sale prices) (US$294 to $381)
  
• LG LED TV 32” AED1,099 to 1,299 (various varieties, sale and non-sale prices) (US$299 to $354)
  
• Samsung LED or Plasma TV 32” AED1,129 to 1,999 (various varieties, sale and non-sale prices) (US$308 to US$544)
  
• Sony LED TV 32” AED1,299 to 1,399 (US$354 to $381)
  

Note: Carrefour does not seem to sell TVs smaller than 32” (at least not on their website), but do have larger TVs.

Washer

• Daewoo Washer AED549 and higher (various varieties) (US$150 and higher)
  
• Samsung Washer AED999 and higher (various varieties) (US$272 and higher)
  
• Bosch Washer AED1,299 and higher (various varieties) (US$354 and higher)
  
• Westpoint Washer AED849 and higher (various varieties) (US$231 and higher)
  
• Whirlpool Washer AED599 and higher (various varieties) (US$163 and higher)
  

Dryer

• Indesit AED1,349 and higher (various varieties) (US$368 and higher)
  
• Hoover AED1,495 and higher (various varieties) (US$407 and higher)
  
• Beko AED1,499 and higher (various varieties) (US$408 and higher)
  
• Ariston AED1,649 and higher (various varieties) (US$449 and higher)
  
• Hoover AED1,695 and higher (various varieties) (US$461 and higher)
  
• Whirlpool AED1,899 and higher (various varieties) (US$517 and higher)
  
• Maytag AED1,995 and higher (various varieties) (US$543 and higher)
  

Washer/Dryer Combo

• Bompani AED1,999 and higher (various varieties) (US$545 and higher)
  
• Indesit AED1,999 and higher (various varieties) (US$545 and higher)
  
• LG AED2,499 and higher (various varieties) (US$680 and higher)
  
• Daewoo AED2,479 and higher (various varieties) (US$675 and higher)
  

Refrigerator

• Hitachi (320L) AED1,189 and higher (other sizes available) (US$324 and higher)
  
• LG (220L) AED1,019 and higher (other sizes available) (US$$278 and higher)
  
• Samung (190L) AED899 and higher (other sizes available) (US$245 and higher)
  
• Daewoo (250L) AED899 and higher (other sizes available) (US$$245 and higher)
  
• Westpoint (250L) AED949 and higher (other sizes available) (US$259 and higher)
  
• Whirlpool (290L) AED1,249 and higher (other sizes available) (US$340 and higher)
  

Microwave

• Panasonic AED339 and higher (various varieties) (US$92 and higher)
  
• Black and Decker AED449 and higher (various varieties) (US$122 and higher)
  
• Kenwood AED599 and higher (various varieties) (US$163 and higher)
  
• Sharp AED929 and higher (various varieties) (US$253 and higher)
  

Other:

Carrefour also sells items like mattresses, kitchen utensils, dinnerware, linens, etc.

Notes:

Prices were checked in November/December 2013; prices are subject to change.

Numbers are rounded.

There are, of course, other stores in which to shop.

Also see to Costs in the UAE - Shopping for the Basics