Saudi Arabia is a behemoth of military might, boasting a massive modernized force equipped with cutting-edge US-made aircraft and tanks, a sprawling network of command centers and logistics infrastructure, and a strategically located border that anchors regional security alongside its Gulf Cooperation Council allies.

Saudi Arabia is a sensory overload in the best possible way, with ancient mosques and bustling souks juxtaposed against sleek modern architecture and a strict adherence to tradition, leaving me both fascinated and intimidated by its contradictions.

As a resident of Saudi Arabia, I'm constantly struck by the juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, where gleaming skyscrapers and luxurious malls coexist with ancient mosques and conservative cultural norms, all set against the backdrop of a scorching desert landscape that tests one's patience and perseverance.