Middlesex Dubai Honorary Graduates
Middlesex Dubai Honorary Graduates

Yusuff Ali M.A

Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group International, Mr Yusuff Ali M.A. awarded for his work in the region with an Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University in the presence of Chief Guest H.E Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan

Mr. Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman & Managing Director of Lulu Group International, having its corporate office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a prominent and reputed Non-Resident Indian businessman. His Group, largely operating in the Shopping Mall and Retail sector, is one of the leading business houses and caters to a diversified customer base in 23 nations across the world. With

a vast organizational structure of over 48,600 staffs, Lulu Group International is one of the leading importers, wholesalers and retailers of all kinds of consumer items especially food products with a world-wide business network and having 154 Hypermarkets and Shopping Malls in the GCC, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. With a global turnover of US$ 7.42 billion, the Group has its retail sourcing and manufacturing bases located in Far East, Europe, Africa, Asia and U.S.

Forbes Magazine has listed him on its Billionaires List and acknowledged him as the Most Influential Asian Business Leader in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. The Fortune Magazine has named him as the most influential Indian in West Asia.

His meteoric rise from modest beginnings in a village in Kerala, where he was born on 15 November 1955, testify that his formidable position has been earned through relentless diligence and exemplary leadership. His entrepreneurship has opened multiple employment opportunities for thousands.

His business empire is the fruit of his vision and eminence, but, his greatest quality has been his compassion. The philanthropist in him has always come to the forefront in organizing huge and timely relief measures during many natural calamities in countries around the world.

He is a Director Board Member of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) having been elected by the UAE Business Community for a record third consecutive term.

Other current prominent positions held by him in the UAE are the Chairman of the Board of Governors in India Social and Cultural Centre in UAE, Chief Patron of Indian Islamic Center in UAE, Vice-Chairman of Abu Dhabi Indian School, Governing Body Member of Indian Business & Professional Council and Vice Chairman and Founder Member of Indian Business and Professional Group.

He has been bestowed with numerous national and international decorations. Few among the prominent are the prestigious “Queen’s Award” for his exceptional contribution to UK’s trade, industry and economy through his export division Y International UK., in Birmingham. He was also bestowed with “Wessam Al Bahrain” (Order of the King) by His Majesty The King of Bahrain for his contribution in serving Bahrain and its citizens. ‘Dubai Cares’, a philanthropic organization launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai to improve children’s access to quality primary education in developing countries has honored him for his support towards the cause.

He has also received numerous honors and recognitions from Religious-heads. Notable among them are the title of “Commander” conferred upon him by His Holiness The Patriarch and Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox for his efforts in promoting communal harmony and humanitarian activities.

The title of “The Order of St. George” was bestowed on him by the His Holiness The Catholicose of the East, Malankara Metropolitan and Supreme Head of Malankara Orthodox Church in recognition of his contribution to religious harmony, social development and peace efforts.

He has also received the “Archbishop Mar Gregorious Award” from His Beatitude Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church for his contribution to the industrial sector.

His Lulu Hypermarket chain has received the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award and Dubai Quality Award for its operational excellence.