
Eight Sleep expands into Saudi Arabia, launches Pod 5
The Saudi entry coincides with the global unveiling of Pod 5, the world's first AI-powered sleep syst/em that transforms any bed into an intelligent, adaptive environment — automatically adjusting temperature, elevation, and sound to maximise sleep performance and optimise health.
'We've seen extraordinary early adoption across the region. People here are prioritising sleep, and looking for smarter ways to improve it,' said Matteo Franceschetti, Co-Founder and CEO of Eight Sleep. '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 United States.'
Eight Sleep's expansion into KSA marks a significant milestone in the brand's global growth, and a step toward addressing what new data reveals is a growing sleep crisis across the GCC, the company said.
"Proprietary user data from Eight Sleep reveals Saudi Arabia ranks last in sleep quality among all 30+ global markets where the brand operates. Globally, users in KSA report the latest average bedtime, with the UAE following closely at fourth — placing both countries in the bottom 25% of all markets, a gap Eight Sleep is determined to help close," the company said.
With 92% of Eight Sleep members reporting improved sleep, Pod 5 sets a new benchmark for what sleep technology can deliver, it said.
'The data tells a clear story: people in this region struggle to get high-quality sleep,' added Franceschetti. 'Pod 5 was built to change that. It's not just about cooling or comfort, it's about creating a smarter, more responsive sleep experience that works with your body, not against it.'
Building on the success of the award-winning Pod, Pod 5 is a modular system made up of four seamlessly integrated components — the Cover, the Hub, the Blanket, and the Base — and is built around three core benefits: immersive temperature control, zero-gravity elevation, and integrated surround sound.
● Immersive temperature: The new Cover and hydro-powered Blanket work together to double thermal performance across the body. Each side cools or heats independently from 12°C to 43°C, adjusting based on biometric data to support deeper sleep.
● Zero-gravity elevation: The new Base gently lifts the upper body to relieve back pressure and improve circulation. It responds automatically to snoring, elevating the head to reduce disruptions without waking the sleeper or their partner.
● Integrated surround-sound: Built into the Base, the new speaker system delivers science-backed audio, including exclusive NSDR tracks by Dr Andrew Huberman, to calm the nervous system and ease the sleeper into rest.
Powered by AI and tuned to each sleeper
Pod 5 personalises the sleep experience automatically using Autopilot — an intelligent algorithm trained on over 10 million hours of sleep data. It learns each individual's needs and patterns to anticipate adjustments in real time. Whether it's shifting temperature during sleep stages, elevating the head when snoring is detected, or adjusting sound to support relaxation, the system responds before the sleeper even knows it's needed.
Even when two people share a bed, Pod 5 personalises each side independently. Users can access detailed insights and AI-driven coaching through the Eight Sleep app — but the system is designed to be completely hands-off: set it and forget it.
'In the GCC, sleep is often impacted by a unique mix of factors — from extreme heat and social jetlag to high daily stress,' shared Dr Elie Abirached, a Dubai-based longevity expert and Founder of Limitless Human and Restore Fitness. 'What makes Autopilot so impactful is that it removes the guesswork and doesn't just monitor your sleep — it actively responds to it. It learns how your body reacts to these challenges and makes real-time adjustments to help you sleep better and keep an eye on your health metrics. Whether you're struggling with sleep or looking to take it to the next level, that kind of intelligent, effortless support can make all the difference in.' - TradeArabia News Service

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Launches VAT Refund For Tourists
Saudi Arabia has officially begun implementing its value-added tax (VAT) refund program for tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, enabling eligible visitors to reclaim 15% VAT on qualifying purchases through 1,442 authorized retail outlets across the Kingdom, Saudi Gazette has learned. The move is part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to enhance the tourism and shopping experience, increase Saudi Arabia's appeal as a global destination. The VAT refund system is available to non-resident tourists aged 18 and older. To qualify, total purchases must exceed SR500, and the goods must be unused, for personal use only, and exported within 90 days of purchase. Services such as accommodation and meals are excluded, as well as specific items like vehicles, boats, aircraft, food and beverages, tobacco products, and petroleum derivatives. Shoppers can request a VAT exemption form at the point of sale by presenting their passport or GCC ID, and may combine up to three invoices from the same retailer on the same day to reach the eligibility threshold. Upon departure, travelers must validate their tax-free form at one of 18 verification points currently available at three international airports: 10 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, four at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and four at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Refunds can be issued either by card or in cash, with a daily cash refund cap of SR5,000 per person. However, cash refunds are not available at the North Terminal of Jeddah's King Abdulaziz Airport. The VAT refund initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism spending, streamline shopping experiences, and encourage visitors to extend their stays and explore more of Saudi Arabia's retail landscape.


Daily Tribune
26-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Miknas: Bahrain's support places Lebanon back in Arab fold
TDT | Manama Businessman Akram Miknas has praised Bahrain for taking the lead in re-engaging with Lebanon, describing the recent state visit by Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun as a turning point in Gulf-Lebanon relations. Miknas, who chairs the Bahrain-based company Promosven, said the high-level meetings, particularly the one between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Lebanese President, marked the most significant interaction between the two nations in decades. Economic Gateway 'Bahrain's support places Lebanon back in the Arab fold,' he said, adding that the Kingdom was the first to offer meaningful support to Lebanon after a period of instability and absence from the regional stage. According to Miknas, this move could position Bahrain as a gateway for Lebanon's re-entry into the GCC economy, with its advanced infrastructure and strong commercial networks. He urged a swift follow-up on the agreements signed during the visit. Connectivity Call Reinstating direct flights between Bahrain and Lebanon, he said, would be a vital step in boosting trade and tourism. He a l s o called for streamlining visa and residency procedures to help entrepreneurs and investors move more freely. Miknas highlighted that the Lebanese business community is ready to activate joint ventures and contribute to economic cooperation between the two countries. Skills & Sectors Pointing to areas of future collaboration, Miknas said private sector partnerships in fields like technology, Islamic finance, and infrastructure could be mutually beneficial. He noted that Lebanon's skilled workforce, particularly in AI and digital innovation, offers an opportunity for synergy with Bahrain's forward-looking economic plans. He also drew attention to the cultural bonds between the two countries, saying Lebanese entrepreneurs had long been welcomed in Bahrain due to shared values of openness and tolerance. Miknas concluded by underscoring the importance of economic diplomacy, adding that private sector involvement would be key to translating diplomatic goodwill into real progress.


Gulf Insider
24-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
UAE Passport Ranks as 8th Most Powerful Globally
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position among the world's most powerful passports, climbing to 8th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index – a remarkable rise from 42nd a decade ago that reflects the country's expanding diplomatic reach and visa liberalisation efforts. UAE passport holders can now travel to 185 destinations without a prior visa, making it the highest-ranked Middle Eastern nation and the only major riser to break into the global Top 10 in recent years. The Henley Passport Index, which is compiled from exclusive travel data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), shows an increasing shift in global mobility power towards Asia and the Gulf region, with emerging economies making steady gains as traditional Western powers experience declines. 'The UAE stands out as a model of strategic diplomacy,' said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners. 'Its rise reflects years of consistent efforts to build reciprocal visa agreements.' Singapore – 193 destinations Japan, South Korea – 190 France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Ireland – 189 Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway – 188 Greece, Switzerland, New Zealand – 187 United Kingdom – 186 Malta – 185 United Arab Emirates – 185 Czechia – 184 United States, Canada, Australia, Hungary – 182 Alongside the UAE's gains, Saudi Arabia has added four new visa-free destinations in 2025, increasing its total to 91 and lifting it four places to 54th. China has also significantly expanded its visa openness, now granting visa-free entry to 75 countries, including all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, various South American nations, and some European states — helping boost mobility for GCC citizens. India has climbed eight spots to 77th, while China ranks 60th, both among the fastest risers in recent years. By contrast, the United States has slipped to 10th place, offering visa-free access to 182 destinations, its lowest ranking in two decades. The United Kingdom now ranks 6th, down from first place in 2015. Other countries experiencing declines include Venezuela, which fell 15 places to 45th, and Canada, which dropped four spots. 'Passport power increasingly reflects active diplomacy and global engagement. Citizens from traditional powers like the US and UK are seeking alternative citizenship and residence options amid rising geopolitical uncertainty,' said Steffen. Also read: Singapore Remains Most Powerful Passport as US and UK Decline, UAE and Emerging Economies Rise