Frugal Expat

Where to Hunt Second Hand Items in Abu Dhabi?

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country wherein the population of expats is in greater proportion than the UAE nationals or also known as “locals”.

Working expats here just come and go. This is the reason that you can always find a quality second hand items stretching from kitchen appliances, furniture, car, and so on. When expats leave the country, they only have three options – to donate, to sell or to send it to their next destination.

So, if you are like me who recently adopted the last name of “Frugal”, then a second hand or used items shop will be a good hunt, right? Personally I refuse to invest in extra items at home because it will imply extra luggage, more things to pack or to dispose, and a waste of money.

When we shifted to our new flat, we bought the basic appliances and furniture only – washing machine, fridge, bed and cooking stove. Luckily, we had colleague who would be stationed in another country. So we became the generous recipients of his sound system, sets of cooking ware, wall décor, books, lamps, and more though we still need to buy a dining table.

If you are considering to hunt for used items, here are few venues to start.

Dubizzle – This is a famous online classified ads ranging from cars, properties, job opportunities and other miscellaneous stuff.

Souq.com – Souq (Arabic word for market) offers online shopping for new and second hand items.

Spinneys’ Board – Spinneys’ is a premium supermarket scattered in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates. They usually have a board located in the main entrance. You can find ads for second hand items which are for sale.

Nefertiti Used Furniture – A colleague of mine had recommended me this shop but I have not visited it yet until today. According to my colleague, they have a good collection of used furniture and household appliances.

Classified Ads from the newspapers

Bazaar.ae – This is an another online classified ads (which I haven’t explored yet).