AI in the bedroom: Eight Sleep launches Pod 5 in Saudi Arabia
Amid mounting evidence that the Gulf region is in the grip of a worsening sleep crisis, US-based sleep fitness company Eight Sleep has expanded into Saudi Arabia with the global launch of its new Pod 5 system — the world's first AI-powered sleep platform that adjusts temperature, elevation, and sound to optimise rest.
The entry into the kingdom marks a major milestone for the company's GCC strategy following its UAE debut in November 2024.
With the launch, Eight Sleep is targeting a region that, according to proprietary data, ranks among the worst globally for sleep quality.
'Saudi Arabia and the UAE are strategic growth priorities for us, as the GCC is soon to become our second-largest market globally after the US, said Matteo Franceschetti, Co-Founder and CEO of Eight Sleep. 'We've seen extraordinary early adoption across the region. People here are prioritising sleep and looking for smarter ways to improve it.'
Sleep quality is a growing concern
Eight Sleep's internal data shows that Saudi Arabia ranks last for sleep quality among the more than 30 global markets where it operates.
The UAE also fares poorly, with both countries reporting some of the latest average bedtimes worldwide — placing them in the bottom 25 per cent of Eight Sleep's global index.
To address the issue, the newly launched Pod 5 introduces a range of innovations, including Health Check — the first non-wearable tool for real-time monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory health during sleep. Powered by embedded sensors, the feature tracks biometrics such as heart rate and respiratory rate with clinical-grade accuracy, allowing users to monitor their wellbeing without wearing a device.
'We see Health Check as the future of health — where your bed not only helps you recover but also acts as an early warning system for your body,' Franceschetti said.
The modular Pod 5 system is made up of four components — the Cover, the Hub, the hydro-powered Blanket, and the Base — and delivers three core benefits: biometric-driven temperature control, zero-gravity elevation, and built-in surround sound.
The new system personalises the sleep experience using Autopilot, an AI model trained on over 10 million hours of sleep data, which makes real-time adjustments for each sleeper.
With 92 per cent of users reporting improved sleep, Pod 5 is designed to meet the complex sleep needs of consumers in hot climates like the Gulf, where extreme temperatures, social jetlag, and high stress often interfere with rest.
Dr Elie Abirached, a Dubai-based longevity expert, said: 'In the GCC, sleep is often impacted by a unique mix of factors. What makes Autopilot so impactful is that it actively responds to those conditions in real-time, without the user needing to intervene.'
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In addition to physical adjustments, the Base features a built-in speaker system that plays science-based soundscapes, including Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) content developed in collaboration with neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman. 'NSDR is one of the most powerful tools for recovery, cognitive resilience, and nervous system reset,' Huberman noted.
The Pod 5 system is compatible with all mattresses and bed frames, and is available in both the
Prices start at Dhs10,199 or SAR11,999, with free shipping across the region.
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'At DXB, biometric smart gates offer seamless passport control with facial verification, eliminating manual checks. Our new 'Unlimited Smart Travel' takes this further, enabling up to 10 guests to complete immigration in just 14 seconds using facial recognition alone.' Beyond passenger flow, AI is working hard behind the scenes. According to Adai, predictive maintenance and AI-driven baggage systems are ensuring near-perfect operations. 'In Q1 2025 alone, DXB processed over 21 million bags with a 99.8% accuracy rate and one of the world's lowest mishandling rates – 1.95 per 1,000 passengers.' These numbers aren't just impressive—they represent a growing commitment to using data and intelligence to deliver exceptional guest experiences. 'This strategic integration of AI across every touchpoint exemplifies how the UAE is setting a global standard for intelligent, customer-centric travel infrastructure,' Adai adds. 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