Exactly 50 years ago today, Yusuffali M.A., an 18-year-old Indian with dreams of entrepreneurship, set foot on UAE soil. Working initially in his uncle’s distribution business in Abu Dhabi, Yusuffali embarked on a journey that led to the creation of the multibillion-dollar Lulu Group International.
Recalling his six-day journey from Bombay to Dubai aboard the ship Dumra, Yusuffali reached Dubai’s Rashid Port on December 31, 1973. His initial days were challenging, working in a small trading center, but that seed has grown into one of the biggest retail conglomerates in the region.
Lulu Group International Today:
The Lulu Group operates over 260 hypermarkets and shopping malls across 24 countries, employing nearly 70,000 people from 46 nationalities. Yusuffali’s journey highlights not only his business acumen but also his commitment to community, philanthropy, and leadership.
Yusuffali, now the Second Vice-Chairman at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is an influential business leader and philanthropist. He emphasizes the importance of business being about people, not just money or products.
Awards and Recognition:
His contributions have earned him multiple awards, including the Abu Dhabi Award, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, and the Padma Shri. He acknowledges the support he received from the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Expressing his gratitude, Yusuffali says, “Being able to make a humble contribution to the tremendous growth of the UAE is the biggest achievement of my life.” Recently, he shared his story, including his first entry stamp at Rashid Port, with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Continued Dedication:
With a business spanning multiple countries and a revenue exceeding $8.4 billion, Yusuffali, at 68, has no thoughts of retirement. He sees work as his passion and intends to continue contributing as long as he is healthy.
