The Story of M.A. Yusuff Ali

Overview

Mohammed Ali Yusuff, also known as M.A. Yusuff Ali, is a prominent Indian businessman and billionaire. He is the founder and chairman of the Lulu Group International, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate that operates more than 190 hypermarkets and supermarkets across the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Yusuff Ali’s net worth is estimated to be over $4 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in India.

Early Life and Education

M.A. Yusuff Ali was born on November 15, 1955, in Nattika, a small town in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. He was raised in a middle-class family and completed his early education at a local school. After finishing high school, Yusuff Ali went to the Far East in search of work.

He worked in various jobs for several years before moving to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 1973. There, he started working for a small trading firm and gradually worked his way up the ranks to become the manager. Yusuff Ali also continued his education through distance learning courses and eventually earned a degree in Business Administration from Aligarh Muslim University.

Career and Achievements

In 1987, M.A. Yusuff Ali founded the Lulu Group International, starting with a small supermarket in Abu Dhabi. Over the years, the company grew rapidly and expanded its operations to other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and India. Today, Lulu Group International is one of the largest retail chains in the Middle East and employs more than 57,000 people.

Apart from retail, Yusuff Ali also has business interests in real estate, hospitality, and healthcare. He owns several luxury hotels, including the Grand Hyatt in Dubai and the Marriott in Kochi, India. He also has investments in hospitals and medical centers in India.

M.A. Yusuff Ali’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2008. He was also named one of the Top 100 most powerful Indians in the Gulf by Forbes Middle East in 2019.

Personal Life

M.A. Yusuff Ali is married to Shabira Yusuff Ali and has four children. He is known for his philanthropy and has contributed to various charitable causes, including healthcare and education. In 2017, he donated $29 million to sponsor the education of underprivileged students in India.

Profile