Lumi and MachinesTalk sign SR28m tech agreement

Nawaaf Al-Shalani, CEO of MachinesTalk, and Syed Azfar Shakeel, CEO of Lumi, sign the agreement.
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Updated 05 December 2023
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Lumi and MachinesTalk sign SR28m tech agreement

To revolutionize vehicle sharing and enable digital transformation, Lumi, a car rental company, has signed a five-year SR28 million ($7.46 million) agreement with MachinesTalk, a leading IoT solutions provider in Saudi Arabia. The agreement will enable the upgrade of fleet management through technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, in collaboration with the satellite supported car sharing platform, AnyCar.
AnyCar will transform Lumi’s fleet into a digital sharing ecosystem. This ensures complete control over vehicles and provides an enhanced self-service experience for Lumi’s customers. Additionally, it guarantees maximum utilization of vehicles, enhances operational efficiency, and improves the overall user experience.
The collaboration enables the analysis of security situations and provides accurate information on vehicle movement. These capabilities have been strategically designed to improve processes and ensure seamless operations.

HIGHLIGHT

The agreement will enable the upgrade of fleet management through technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, in collaboration with the satellite supported car sharing platform, AnyCar.

Lumi provides individuals, companies, and governments with access to some of the latest transportation and leasing offerings in Saudi Arabia backed by state-of-the-art digital channels.
Syed Azfar Shakeel, CEO of Lumi, said: “With digital technology revolutionizing every industry, including car rentals, we are committed to leveraging advanced solutions that add excellent value for our stakeholders. The new technology agreement will draw on machine learning and the IoT to predict, identify and monitor trends to enable our customers to achieve higher levels of cost efficiency in addition to increased productivity across our operations.”
Nawaaf Al-Shalani, CEO of MachinesTalk, added: “We’re delighted to have signed this agreement with Lumi, which aims to promote IoT and AI in the transportation sector, facilitate digital transformation, enhance traffic safety, maximize vehicle utilization by analyzing real-time data and provide valuable services to customers. This partnership represents a significant step toward sustainable digital mobility.”
Lumi started its operations in 2006 as a sole proprietorship to provide car rental services among a portfolio of travel companies under the umbrella of Seera Group Holding. In 2016, strategic plans for the car rental business were reconfigured and an expert management team was appointed. The company has emerged as one of the leaders in the car rental sector, serving customers across the central, western, eastern, northern and southern regions from 35 car rental branches and three vehicle maintenance centers, in addition to mobile workshops and third-party vendors, digital channels and a used car sales showroom.

 


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.