> I want to get on my soapbox and yell "INSULATION PEOPLE, INSULATION!".

I'm joining you in that. I'm in Dubai at the moment thanks to airspace closure over Pakistan.

I noticed that richer Middle Eastern countries are the few places outside of the ex-USSR where foamed concrete picked up popularity as an insulation material. Seems to be a very popular choice for detached housing here.

I also noticed that despite the fabulous wealth, glass curtainwalls are not so widespread here. Even the most "skyscrapery" skyscrapers here have some solid walls and/or external shading (even Burj Khalifa on some levels.)