Are some of the descriptions in paradise such as wearing silk and gold and rivers of honey described that way due to the fact that the early arabs desired such things? And if it had been revealed to a different group of people, would the description of paradise have been different?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

After investigation, we have not come across anything that proves what you mentioned in the question. However, there is no doubt that the Quran addresses all the nations and encourages them to earn the reward and bliss that Allaah has prepared for in Paradise.

The following words of Allaah in describing Paradise are enough: {And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish].} [Quran 41:31] In this verse, Allaah encourages all human beings of different kinds, tastes and moods.

It is better for a Muslim to study the interpretation of the Quran and benefit from its lessons and the verses of targheeb (encouraging people to do good by mentioning Allaah’s promises and rewards) and tarheeb (warning people from evil by mentioning Allaah’s threats and punishments) that are mentioned therein and avoid overburdening himself in searching for probabilities the knowledge of which does not lead to anything.

Allaah knows best.