The Kingdom introduced capsule rooms in the western city of Mina as an estimated two million Muslims gathered for the hajj. The free nap pods were part of new measures Saudi Arabia rolled out this year in a bid to modernize the centuries-old practice of hajj.The Haji and Mutamer Gift Charitable Association, offered between 18 and 24 capsule for pilgrims to nap in for free.Each fibreglass pod — less than three metres long and just over one metre high — features a mattress, clean sheets, air conditioning and a large, well-lit mirror, AFP reported.

Each napper had a three-hour access to the pods, which are imported from Japan at cost of around USD 1,114 each.

The nap pods provide a solution for pilgrims of limited means who cannot afford to book hotels on site but need a quick rest during hajj.

The government has also introduced apps for on-the-spot translation and emergency medical care.

Saudi authorities are pushing a ‘smart hajj’ initiative to meet with the growing demands of hajj, which coincide with the kingdom’s unprecedented modernization drive.