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.

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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.

 


LuLu Walkathon: 22,000 participants champion greener future

Updated 12 February 2026
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LuLu Walkathon: 22,000 participants champion greener future

Alkhobar’s New Corniche transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and community spirit when more than 22,000 people gathered for the highly anticipated “LuLu Walkathon.” Organized by LuLu Saudi Hypermarket, the 3-km event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Sport and Alkhobar municipality on Jan. 31. The walkathon successfully united the community under the themes of health and environmental sustainability.
The event was held with the cooperation of Meshaal Al-Harbi, head of Alkhobar municipality, and Tareq Al-Qahtani, director of the Ministry of Sport’s Eastern Province branch. The official flag-off was performed by Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia.
This year’s walkathon went beyond fitness, offering a rich tapestry of entertainment including soulful traditional Arabic music, a contemporary violin performance, and a playful “donuts dance,” which ensured a festive atmosphere for families of all ages.
A major highlight of the morning was the presence of Khadra. Khadra served as a living reminder of the Kingdom’s deep-rooted cultural artistry, posing for photos with the thousands of participants who lined the coast. To ensure every attendee felt the spirit of the celebration, participants were geared up with a premium merchandise kit containing custom-branded T-shirts and caps. Furthermore, every individual who successfully completed the 3-km route was rewarded with an exclusive LuLu goodie bag at the finish line to celebrate their achievement.
Sustainability remained a core pillar for the LuLu Walkathon this year, reflecting the brand’s long-term environmental vision. LuLu’s staff managed the route with a strict focus on environmental responsibility, while strategically placed refreshment stalls kept walkers hydrated without compromising the pristine condition of the corniche.
The massive success of the event was supported by key partners, including MasterCard as the commercial sponsor and Nada, which provided vital refreshments, alongside significant support from Radio Mirchi and Alyaum newspaper.
“The walkathon concluded not just as a race, but as a meaningful tribute to the Kingdom’s past and a definitive step toward a sustainable future,” a statement said. “By blending physical activity with cultural celebration and environmental stewardship, LuLu Hypermarket reaffirmed its commitment to the Saudi community, promoting an active, engaged, and responsible lifestyle for all residents.”