M.A. Yusuff Ali

$5.55 B

Ranked #740 in World

About M.A. Yusuff Ali

M. A. Yusuff Ali, a renowned Indian entrepreneur, chairs the expansive LuLu Group International. Born in Nattika, Kerala, in 1955, and an alumnus of St. Xavier's High School, Yusuff Ali catalyzed LuLu Group into a retail giant with an $8.4 billion turnover. This visionary leader, commended for hiring the most Indians globally, ranks 27th on Forbes' richest Indians list. His contributions extend beyond business, making notable philanthropic strides in education and community welfare. Listed by Forbes Middle East as a top business owner, Yusuff Ali's personal journey is marked by familial successes and surviving a harrowing helicopter crash in 2021.

Born

November 15, 1955 in Nattika, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Age

70 years

Source Of Wealth

Retail

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

India

Residence

Abu Dhabi

Spouse

Shabira Yusuff Ali

Children

Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader, popularly known as M. A. Yusuff Ali, was born on November 15, 1955, in Nattika, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. He hails from a Muslim family and completed his schooling at St. Xavier's High School, Karanchira. Yusuff Ali holds a diploma in Business Management and Administration, which laid the foundation for his successful business career.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Family

Yusuff Ali is married and has three daughters. His elder daughter, Sabeena, is married to billionaire businessman Shamsheer Vayalil. The second daughter, Shafeena, is married to Adeeb Ahamed, who runs Lulu International Exchange and Twenty14 Holdings. The youngest daughter, Shifa, is married to Sharoon Shamsudheen, who is involved in successful IT businesses.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Career Highlights

Yusuff Ali's career took a significant turn when he moved to Abu Dhabi in 1973 to join his uncle's business, LuLu Group of Companies. Starting as a family business, LuLu Group diversified into import and distribution of frozen products. Under Yusuff Ali's leadership, the company expanded to include food and non-food categories, cold storages, meat and food processing plants, and grew into an international group with operations in three continents.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Companies

Yusuff Ali is the Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, which owns the flagship retail chain of LuLu Hypermarkets and Supermarkets. LuLu Group has become a major player in the Middle East retail sector, with several shopping malls across GCC states, including Khalidiyah Mall, Al Raha Mall, and the iconic LuLu International Shopping Mall in Kochi, India. The group employs over 65,000 employees from 42 nationalities, with more than 30,000 Indians, making it one of the largest employers of Indians outside India.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Major Achievements

Yusuff Ali's major achievements include transforming LuLu Group International into a global business empire with an annual turnover of US$8.4 billion. He has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing retailers in the world by Deloitte.

Yusuff Ali is also known for his philanthropic activities, collaborating with organizations like Dubai Cares to adopt schools in Gaza and Nepal, and promoting organic products grown by the special needs community through LuLu Hypermarkets.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Awards & Achievements

Yusuff Ali's contributions have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors. He received the Commander title and St. Ephraim Medal by the Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas in 2004. In 2005, he was bestowed with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest Indian government award for non-resident Indians. Yusuff Ali was also awarded the prestigious Padma Shri from the Government of India in 2008. Among his many accolades, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Indian CEO Awards in 2012 and was recognized as the Most Influential Asian Business Leader in the MENA region by Forbes Middle East in the same year.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Personal Life & Legacy

Yusuff Ali resides in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with his family. He survived a helicopter crash landing in 2021 near Kochi, Kerala. Despite the challenges, he continues to lead LuLu Group International and contribute to the social, economic, and religious welfare of expatriate Indians in the Persian Gulf region.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Trivia

Yusuff Ali holds a long-term residential visa granted by Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion. He is also the first recipient of Bahrain's golden residency visa in 2022. Yusuff Ali's success story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide.

Wealth History

Timeline

November 15, 1955

Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader (M. A. Yusuff Ali) is born in Nattika, Thrissur district, Kerala.

1973

Yusuff Ali moves to Abu Dhabi to join his uncle's business, LuLu Group of Companies.

2004

Yusuff Ali receives the Commander title and St. Ephraim Medal from the Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas.

2005

Yusuff Ali is awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest Indian government award for non-resident Indians.

2008

Yusuff Ali receives the Padma Shri from the Government of India.

2009-10

Yusuff Ali is awarded the Business Man of the Year award by Kerala State Forum of Bankers' Clubs.

2012

Yusuff Ali receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Indian CEO Awards.

2012

Yusuff Ali is presented with the Swiss Ambassador's Award for promoting Swiss-UAE relations.

2012

Yusuff Ali is named the Most Influential Asian Business Leader in the MENA region by Forbes Middle East.

2012

Yusuff Ali is recognized as the Arab Business Leader of the Year during the Global Arab Business Meeting.

2014

Yusuff Ali is conferred with an Honorary D.Litt. by Aligarh Muslim University.

2016

Yusuff Ali receives the Archbishop Mar Gregorios Award for his contribution to the industrial sector.

2018

Yusuff Ali is awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University.

2018

Yusuff Ali is conferred with an Honorary Doctorate from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.

2021

Yusuff Ali survives a helicopter crash landing near Kochi, Kerala.

2021

Yusuff Ali is presented with the Abu Dhabi Award, Abu Dhabi's highest civilian award, by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

2022

Yusuff Ali is granted a long-term residential visa by Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion.

2022

Yusuff Ali becomes the first recipient of the Bahrain golden residency visa.

M.A. Yusuff Ali : FAQs

What is M.A. Yusuff Ali's current net worth?

M.A. Yusuff Ali's current net worth is $5.55 billion.

What is M.A. Yusuff Ali's current global rank among billionaires?

M.A. Yusuff Ali holds the 740th position globally among billionaires.

What is M.A. Yusuff Ali's current ranking within the India?

M.A. Yusuff Ali holds the 30th position in India.

What was the change in M.A. Yusuff Ali's net worth compared to the previous year?

M.A. Yusuff Ali's net worth decreased by 267.6 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 5.81 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in M.A. Yusuff Ali's net worth?

M.A. Yusuff Ali's net worth increased by 44.92 million dollars recently, a 0.81% increase, with his net worth standing at 5.55 billion dollars.

What are M.A. Yusuff Ali's main sources of wealth?

M.A. Yusuff Ali's main source of income comes from Retail.

In which industry does M.A. Yusuff Ali primarily operate?

M.A. Yusuff Ali is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

How old is M.A. Yusuff Ali?

M.A. Yusuff Ali is 70 years old.

How many children does M.A. Yusuff Ali have?

M.A. Yusuff Ali has 3 children.

What are some key milestones in the growth of LuLu Group International under M. A. Yusuff Ali?

LuLu Group International, under the leadership of M. A. Yusuff Ali, is known for its flagship retail chain of LuLu Hypermarkets and Supermarkets, and has expanded to include food and non-food items, cold storages, and meat and food processing plants, with over 65,000 employees and operations in three continents.

How has M. A. Yusuff Ali contributed to philanthropic causes?

M. A. Yusuff Ali is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including collaborations with Dubai Cares, opening a multi-faith funeral center in Sharjah, promoting organic products by special needs communities, and donating to various relief funds.

What recognition has M. A. Yusuff Ali received for his contributions to business and society?

M. A. Yusuff Ali has received numerous accolades, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, Padma Shri, Business Man of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Abu Dhabi Award 2021, reflecting his significant contributions to business and society.

What personal challenges has M. A. Yusuff Ali overcome?

M. A. Yusuff Ali survived a helicopter crash landing in 2021 near Kochi, Kerala, demonstrating his resilience in facing personal challenges.