Yusuff Ali M.A: The Global Business Visionary Behind LuLu Group
Yusuff Ali M.A, Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected business leaders in the Middle East. His extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global retail powerhouse is a testament to vision, perseverance, and purpose-driven leadership.
The Wall Street Journal has named him among the most influential non-royals in the United Arab Emirates, while Arabian Business Magazine ranked him No.1 among GCC’s 100 Most Powerful Indians, also placing him second among the richest Indians based in the GCC. Forbes Magazine has consistently featured him on its Global Billionaires List, recognising him as the Most Influential Asian Business Leader in the MENA region.
Global Recognition and Unmatched Influence
Yusuff Ali’s impact extends far beyond retail. Fortune Magazine honoured him as the Most Influential Indian in West Asia, a recognition that reflects his leadership across business, trade, and community development.
His global investment footprint includes acquiring a significant stake in the historic London-based East India Company (EIC)—once the world’s largest multinational trading company. He currently holds 10% stake in the parent East India Company and 40% stake in East India Fine Foods, its flagship subsidiary.
Expanding a Global Luxury Hospitality Portfolio
Demonstrating his diversified investment strategy, Yusuff Ali acquired the iconic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, a 92,000-square-foot luxury property in London. Further expanding his hospitality portfolio, he also purchased The Caledonian Hotel, a landmark 241-room luxury hotel in Edinburgh.
Across India, Europe, and the Arabian Gulf, LuLu Group also owns premium hotel properties including Marriott, Courtyard Marriott, and Grand Hyatt Hotels, managed by globally renowned hospitality brands.
Retail Leadership and Global Trade Excellence
Under his visionary leadership, LuLu Group International has become one of the world’s most successful retail conglomerates. The Group operates across multiple sectors, including:
- Retail – LuLu Hypermarkets & Shopping Malls
- Food Processing & Export
- Import & Distribution of Electronics and Food Products
- IT Education & Training
- Travel & Tourism
LuLu Group strengthened its presence in India with the launch of LuLu Mall Kochi, one of the largest shopping malls in Asia, redefining the Indian retail landscape.
Deloitte ranked LuLu Group as the No.1 retailer in the Middle East, while Planet Retail (UK) recognised it as the No.1 hypermarket chain in the region. Forbes ranked LuLu Group 3rd among the Top 100 Companies impacting the Arab World, making it the only Indian company in the top 10.
International Trade and the Queen’s Enterprise Award
The Group’s UK-based export arm, Y International (UK) Ltd., received the prestigious Queen’s Enterprise Award 2017 for its exceptional contribution to UK trade and the global economy.
Established in 2013, the company sources, processes, and exports UK food products to hypermarkets across the Middle East, Far East, India, and Egypt—strengthening global supply chains and food security.
Champion of Employment and Social Responsibility
Yusuff Ali M.A is deeply committed to social upliftment and inclusive growth. Under his leadership, LuLu Group provides employment to over 57,000 people worldwide, including:
- 29,800+ Indians
- 24,700+ Keralites
His philanthropic initiatives transcend borders, positively impacting communities across India, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Historic Leadership at Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
A defining milestone in his career was his historic election to the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI)—the first expatriate ever elected when elections were introduced.
He was later unanimously elected Vice-Chairman of the ADCCI Trade Committee and went on to be re-elected three consecutive terms, making him the only non-Arab to achieve this distinction.
Honours, Awards, and National Recognition
Yusuff Ali’s achievements have been recognised by governments and institutions worldwide. His major honours include:
- Padma Shri (2008) – Government of India
- Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (2005) – Highest honour for NRIs
- Featured repeatedly in Forbes Billionaires List
He was the first Non-Resident Indian from the Gulf to receive the Padma Shri, acknowledging his contribution to business, social work, and India’s global image.
Promoting Indian Products and Supporting Farmers
A passionate advocate of Indian agriculture, Yusuff Ali actively promotes Indian products through LuLu Hypermarkets worldwide. The annual Indian Mango Festival, conducted in partnership with APEDA, supports Indian farmers and showcases India’s agricultural excellence across GCC markets.
A Legacy of Vision, Values, and Global Impact
Yusuff Ali M.A is more than a business leader—he is a global ambassador of Indian enterprise, a philanthropist with a human heart, and a visionary who believes that success must uplift society. His journey continues to inspire entrepreneurs, youth, and global business leaders alike.
