Traditional style in the Middle East means your house is walled in, that way noone can look in and see your wife (or wives). A compound is a collection of these houses centered around a pool, a small conveience store, a mosque, a tennis court/basketball/football court, a playground, a clubhouse, a gym and a computer room all for use by the residents of that compound. Picture them a lot like tiny little subdivisons of 50 homes or so (Depending on which one you live in). If you are living in an entirely Western compound than you can wear or act however you like within it's confines (mostly meaning you can wear a bikini and drink beer by the pool).

The houses depend on your compound. Mine is three bedroom, three bathroom, kitchen dining. It's ok, many are bigger, but you fight the never ending battle against the sand and dust (get a housekeeper :P )

YOu will have absolutely no problems as a women here. I have a few minor irritants but that is because I'm not married. And even than they aren't really anything to write home about. How they treat their own wives is a completely different story, but you will be fine. The only thing you MAY have to worry about is the Muslim attitude towards women rubbing off on your son from his playmates. Nothing a good grounding won't take care of. ;)