Hi jayjay82, I have worked in the Middle-East for some time, and the houses range differently like in the U.S. Just an idea, houses there are more square or rectangular like, less pointed roof, so all you see in the façade would be a square or rectangular shapes. Khaki, tan, white are the usual colors, there usually is sand on the front door or gate due to sand storms on occasions. Oh yeh, palm trees are abundant, so you could add that to the interior of a court yard or in front of a home.
so here are some I found from the net for you, for some ideas;
delhi4cats.files.wordpress.com/.../farasan-island1.jpg
img217.imageshack.us/.../saudicastlexe7.jpg
www.greenprophet.com/.../saudi-arabia-hok-leed.jpg
Rain comes once a year over there so you would see less water marks on the buildings. Some buildings have a rough finish, if not plaster is on cement blocks.
Buildings above are Saudi, but the basic architectural design is shared almost all throughout the Middle-East.
Hope this helps you.
DK