And now for something completely different… in this world of high-tech gadget mania, I have now truly seen it all – at least when it comes to extremes in currency handling devices. Everyone knows that gold is used as the reserve currency by which countries guarantee the worthiness of their paper and metal based alternatives. Typically people do not use gold for daily transactions, but is that about to change? If you have been watching the foreign exchange markets in the past few months you will have noticed some significant volatility amongst the world’s leading currencies. All that fluctuation has lead to the rapid rise of the value of gold to new stratospheric heights.

Apparently a German entrepreneur has decided to try and capitalize on the perceived stability and rising value of gold by launching the world’s first gold-dispensing ATM machine. Located in the lobby of The Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, where a stay can cost as much as $10,000 per night this first of it’s kind ATM machine dispenses 24 karat gold bars and coins to patrons wishing to avoid the volatility of local or foreign currency.

Remove Card and Take Bullion; Gold ATM Debuts

By: Patrick Allen
CNBC Senior News Editor

Amid fears over the strength of nearly every major currency, Abu Dhabi’s top hotel has come up with a new type of ATM for their most risk-averse guests. The Emirates Palace is giving those staying there the chance to withdraw gold from the world first ever gold dispenser.

With gold prices at record highs amid fears that the EU’s rescue package will drive inflation higher, the ATM monitors the daily price of gold and offers small gold bars that weigh up to 10 grams with customized designs.

This could be just what those who stay in one of the world’s most expensive hotels will need as they watch the euro, yen and dollar jump around in volatile trade.

The hotel boasts 302 Grand Rooms, 40 splendid Khaleej & Khaleej Deluxe suites, four Royal Khaleej suites and sixteen three-bedroom Palace Suites divisible into a total of 48 one-bedroom individual suites.

Thomas Giessler, the German entrepreneur behind the idea, chose Abu Dhabi because of its high-rolling atmosphere. Geissler said he hopes his Gold to Go machine will tie in nicely with the region’s traditional ties in gold commerce.

Giessler’s timing is very good given gold is currently at a record high. Given the price action at the moment your 10 grams could be worth considerably more by the time you check out and could help you pick up the tab at the luxury resort. One night in a three-bedroom suite that could set you back more than $10,000 a night.