Abu Dhabi, May 26 (IANS/WAM): The Emirates Palace Hotel Tuesday announced it will sell small souvenir gold bars engraved with the hotel's logo, through the world's first gold ATM vending machine it launched May 12 here.

"The Gold To Go" vending machine project was launched by Hans Olbertz, general manager of Emirates Palace, and Thomas Geissler, chief executive of Ex Oriente Lux AG, inventor of the machine.

Olbetz said: "We seized upon this idea and, as one of the most exclusive hotels in the world, we wanted the Emirates Palace to play a pioneering role and be the first hotel in the world to offer its guests this golden service."

The machine, which monitors the price of gold minute-by-minute, offers small bars that weigh about one gram, engraved with the Emirates Palace logo, as well as gold coins.

Thomas Geissler, chief executive of Ex Oriente Lux AG, said: "If you ever have the privilege of staying in a place as wonderful as this you will surely want to take a special souvenir home with you."

"And what could be more fitting than pure gold after a stay in such an exclusive atmosphere?" he added.