1. yep, 230v with British 3-pin plug, although most appliances are sold with Euro or US plugs, so adapters are cheap and plentiful!
2. both large & small supermarkets, choice isn't quite what you'd expect in Canada or UK but not far off. Large markets have selections of Euro/US foodstuffs as well as from other places like Australia, India etc.
3. We have an ice rink, not sure if there are any hockey teams. If you come here and there isn't, why not start one?
4. Reasonably clean, some air pollution from power stations, traffic etc but nothing dramatic.
5. Non-GCC citizens not allowed to buy, except at a new development Amwaj Islands, not sure of prices.
6. We brought our furniture with us, there is some local furniture makers and shops but we find choice a bit limited and expensive.
7. Plenty of choice, in general on the expensive side in the malls (of which there are plenty) local markets good for cheaper stuff.
8. Cars are relatively expensive and 2nd hand not very reliable due to environment (heat, dust) and often poor maintenance standards. Gasoline is 1 BD ($2.65) for 10 litres.
Apart from all that, great place to live especially with family.
TAFO: