Technology in Dubai: 5 Things You Won’t See in the U.S.

In many ways, Dubai is not all that different from the United States -- cellphones everywhere, gaudy shopping malls, insufferable traffic jams.

But there are definitely some technology-related items in the UAE that you won't find in the U.S., as we discovered during the recent Hometech Middle East Expo, sponsored by CEA.

Let's start with the Shishavac from Tannous, apparently the world's first narghile preparation system. A narghile, also known as a shisha, is a water pipe that is reportedly smoked by some 100 million people worldwide.

The gentleman at the Shishavac booth -- unfortunately I lost his business card -- says narghile smoking is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, not just in the Middle East. He said there are now 1,500 places in the U.S. to smoke the pipes, up from about 300 locales four years ago, and that college students are taking up the activity in record numbers (oh great).

I could tell you more about it, but it's best explained in the company's own words:

The Shishavac is an innovative, world-class appliance that every narghile aficionado loves to own. This designer, multi-tasking machine allows you to effortlessly start your pipe in seconds, burn charcoal neatly and safely and most importantly, effectively clean your narghile hose, which means a cleaner, healthier, more fulfilling smoke.

The Shishavac conveniently integrates all these functions into a user friendly, instrumental household appliance. Refining a centuries-old cultural tradition, the Shishavac is a revolution. It is the world’s first narghile preparation system, promoting a higher quality and more enjoyable smoke session, guaranteed to enhance your pleasure forever.

You will see the "world's largest plasma TV", the 103-incher from Panasonic, in the U.S. What you might not see is a demonstration that pairs the $70,000 TV with a set of itty bitty speakers from Bose.

OK, you might see that here.

We found the vignette at the brand new Plug-ins store, which is the largest electronics retail operation in the UAE.

There, we found yet another phenomenon that is largely absent in U.S. big-box stores: attentive staff. Around every corner, at every kiosk, was a solicitous sales representative eager to tell you about the newest technology or latest promotion.

The young man peddling Showtime premium TV was so good that I almost bought the service.

Sorry, Mom. I couldn't call home because Dubai blocks Skype. I'm not sure if it was for cultural reasons, or if it had something to do with the nation's government-owned telecom monopoly.