Early Life and Migration to the UAE
Born in 1955 in Nattika, a quaint village in Kerala, India, Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader, commonly known as Yusuff Ali MA, embarked on a journey that would redefine the global retail landscape. In 1973, at the age of 18, he ventured to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to join his uncle’s small distribution business in Abu Dhabi. This move marked the inception of a remarkable entrepreneurial saga.
Establishing LuLu Group International
Recognizing the burgeoning demand for quality retail in the Gulf region, Yusuff Ali expanded the family’s business into the retail sector. In the 1990s, amidst the Gulf War, he launched the first LuLu Hypermarket, introducing a new shopping experience that combined quality products with competitive pricing. This initiative laid the foundation for LuLu Group International, which has since evolved into a global conglomerate.
Global Expansion and Diversification
Under Yusuff Ali’s visionary leadership, LuLu Group experienced exponential growth. Today, it operates over 250 hypermarkets and supermarkets across countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, India, and Egypt. The group’s interests extend beyond retail into sectors such as wholesale distribution, hospitality, and real estate, encompassing luxury hotels and large-scale residential and commercial projects.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Beyond his business acumen, Yusuff Ali is renowned for his philanthropic contributions. He has significantly supported causes in education, healthcare, and social welfare, particularly in his home state of Kerala and other regions where LuLu operates. In 2024, following devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, he donated ₹5 crore to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Recent Milestones and Achievements
In November 2024, LuLu Group achieved a significant milestone by listing LuLu Retail on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The initial public offering (IPO) raised $1.7 billion, marking the UAE’s largest listing that year and elevating Yusuff Ali’s net worth to $7.6 billion. This achievement underscored the group’s robust market position and investor confidence.
Inspiration to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Yusuff Ali’s journey from a modest village in Kerala to leading a global retail empire exemplifies resilience, vision, and dedication. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, demonstrating that with unwavering commitment and a focus on innovation, remarkable success is attainable.
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