@PutYourBackIntoit
Do you think your health has suffered as a result of all the air con??
Um, no, I don't think so. Going from climate to climate (between here and the UK) does seem to affect us a little though, always get a bit of cold like symptoms.
Is SA making good use of all the potential solar power capacity??
There's a project going on since 2012 which aims to have at least 1/3 of all power in KSA to come from solar power sources by 2032. It's lagging (projects tend to do that here..), but achievable. Obviously, the main objective is to wean off oil, but I think when the price per barrel goes up, they tend to get a little distracted...
What is it like going to a Saudi's house for dinner/party?
I've not been to one. Most Saudis still tend to have separate male and female gatherings still, and logistically for me (transport and childcare) it's hard. My husband has though - most recently, he was invited to celebrate the birth of a colleagues child, a bit like a postnatal baby shower for the dad and his mates.. . He said it was lovely, very generous hospitality, lots of food etc. Many Saudis are very aware of how they and their country are viewed... they're desperate to combat it. SOME parts of the country and its culture really is wonderful, but gets totally shouted down in favour, rightly or wrongly, because of the atrocities repeatedly mentioned in this thread for example. It's a shame, all of it.
How far outside of your compound are the local shops? Are there pavements? Can you go for a run outside the compound in the evenings when it's cooler?
One of the best bits of living in my compound is that it has it's own, secure entry walking access direct into a supermarket, which then leads out into a plaza of shops and cafes etc. It's the only one I know of in Riyadh. Most compounds will have a mini market though, and maybe a salon, gym, restaurant etc. And very large shopping malls, all with a hypermarket in them, are every couple of kms. I can think of 5 or 6 off the top of my head that are within 10/15 mins in the car. Yes, there are pavements, but no pedestrian crossings. But people drive everywhere here as there is still no public transport yet, so I'm guessing that they're not really seen as necessary iyswim. No, it's not really the environment for anyone to run in - especially not women, as 99% still wear abayas, which are a major trip hazard, even for a gentle stroll . The pavements aren't particularly well kept, cars park on them a lot, and of course, crossing the road as I've mentioned can be a little bit hairy. There are many gyms though, even some for women now. And people run round our compound a lot, it's safe, big and flat.