ABU DHABI // New space-age sleeping pods have been unveiled at Abu Dhabi International Airport that allow weary travellers to take a nap in comfort and privacy.
The 'GoSleep' pod is a Finnish-designed chair that converts into a flat bed with a partial or fully enclosed sliding shade to isolate the passenger from noise, light and crowds.
Seven have been installed in Terminal 3 and three in the Al Dhabi Lounge in Terminal 1. A further 35 have been ordered and will arrive later this year.
The luxury of uninterrupted sleep comes at a price though: the credit-card operated pods charge Dh45 per hour.
"Abu Dhabi Airports Company is proud that it is the first airport in the world to have secured an agreement to install the ['GoSleep' pod]," said Mohammed Al Bulooki, chief commercial officer at the airports company.
"ADAC will continue to implement new initiatives, combining great design with technological advances, to ensure our passengers experience world class levels of service and comfort while visiting the capital's gateway to the world."
After the initial launch phase, the chairs will be upgraded to include internet access, will include secure storage for luggage and other valuables, and will allow customers to charge their laptops, mobile telephones, and other electronic devices while they rest.
