I spent a lot of time around the Gulf back in the 80’s and know exactly what you are describing. It astounds people that one can be standing on the edge of a desert and experience tropical conditions of heat and humidity.
You are correct! No wonder they’re such cranky bastards in that part of the world.
No one here REALLY understands what it's like over there. The Saudis are like everyone else on the planet, trying to make a living, bring up their children and lead a decent life.
BUT, they are Arabs and their culture is so very, very different from ours. It worked on us. It took me some time to readjust to the good ole USA.
I had to STOP saying, "Well, in Saudi Arabia...." I could see their eyes glaze over when I started in with those introductory words. Living over there WAS the adventure or our lives. I'll never, ever, ever forget it.
I DO see the utter hatred of Muslims here. People loathe them here, never having lived, worked or been in that culture. I sometimes wonder if they loathe, detest and despise ALL Muslims, even American ones. Even the children, women and babies? Hard for me to understand that kind of negativity. That has to work on their souls and not in a good way.
I don't LIKE the Arab/Muslim/Saudi culture one TINY bit in any way, shape or form, but I can't bring myself to detest and despise an entire group of human beings simply because of where they happened to be born. It doesn't make any sense to me and I know it's a horribly unChristian attitude.
However, this IS the FR and they are entitled to their opinions. Too bad they excoriate me so when I express MY opinions.