MA Yusuff Ali is the Founder and Chairman of LuLu Group International, which owns the LuLu Hypermarket chain worldwide. In 1975, he established the first LuLu grocery store and now the LuLu Group operates more than 200 stores worldwide​.  Born in Kerala, Ali he moved to Abu Dhabi at the age of 18, to join his uncle’s business, where he started working with his paternal uncle in his small trading business. With his newly acquired business knowledge, he started handling import and distribution, majorly focusing on goods for the local market.

Yusuff Ali’s entrepreneurial journey took flight when he opened his first LuLu Hypermarket in Dubai in 2000. Since then, LuLu Group has expanded to over 250 hypermarkets across the Middle East, Far East, North Africa, and India, employing over 65,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds. With an annual turnover of US$8.4 billion, LuLu Group International employs the largest number of Indian diaspora.

According to Forbes Middle East, Yusuff Ali was ranked No. 1 in Top 100 Indian business owners in the Arab World 2018.  Beyond his business achievements, Yusuff Ali is also known for his philanthropic work through the Yusuff Ali Foundation. Among his notable achievements, Yusuff Ali has been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India. His philanthropic efforts are extensive, involving significant contributions to relief in India and the Gulf region. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Kerala to becoming one of the most successful retail magnates in the Middle East serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs worldwide.  Indiaspora is proud to have MA Yussuf Ali on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.