A Tech Junkie's Guide to Dubai

A city of contrasts, Dubai has succeeded in taking technology to new heights (literally), yet much of the city's old-world traditions are still visible. Today, opulent skyscrapers tower over the traditional abras that transport visitors across the Dubai Creek daily – as they have done for hundreds of years.

The city has quickly risen out of the desert to become one of the largest financial and tourism capitals in the world. Here are a few of the ways technology has put Dubai on the map for visitors, paired with a few old-fashioned alternatives for good measure.

The tallest building in the world, the Burj Kalifa stands 2,716 feet tall and could not have been built without the use of several advanced technologies. The building's windows are designed to help keep the building cool and recycle enough condensation to fill 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools every year. Visitors to the building can take in the majestic views from the observation deck on the 120th floor of the 160-story building.

A team of expert paper artists crafted a smaller version of the Burj Kalifa for our Paper City contest.

Snow is the last thing you expect to see in the desert, but shoppers at the Mall of the Emirates are able to ski, pet penguins and go zorbing down the slopes. The indoor ski arena is covered with 3ft of snow that is produced by pumping chilled water through a series of snow machines in the ceiling that eventually release the chilled water into the 20°F ski environment. The final product is real snow for you to race down the slopes on.

For those looking for a more traditional shopping experience, the souks are the place to go. Filled with spices, textiles and gold, these traditional markets give you a sense of the city's true history.

Camel racing has been around for thousands of years, but in true Dubai fashion it has been given a technological twist. Robotic jockeys have replaced the use of human jockeys. The robot controls the camel's reins using small-hinged arms, all while transmitting the speed and heart rate of the camel to a trainer. Visitors can take in a race at the Dubai Camel Racing Club – but most visitors to the city still opt for a more traditional camel ride.

Those seeking to escape the city's concrete jungle can ride out into the desert on camel back. Camel tours through the pristine deserts offer visitors the opportunity to travel back through time and trek through the desert as the merchants of years past did.

Whatever your technology needs may be, our Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek; Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City; Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina and Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront have guests covered. From free Wi-Fi to modern and technologically advanced meeting rooms, our hotels will keep you connected to everything the city has to offer.