M.A. Yusuff Ali: From Ordinary Life to Billionaire Legacy

M.A. Yusuff Ali is a renowned Indian entrepreneur and the chairman of Lulu Group International, one of the largest retail chains in the Middle East. Born in a small village in Thrissur, Kerala, he moved to the UAE in 1973 with a dream and determination to succeed. Starting from humble beginnings, he introduced the concept of supermarkets and hypermarkets in the Gulf, revolutionizing the region’s retail industry. Today, he is not only a billionaire businessman but also a respected philanthropist known for his contributions to society both in India and abroad.

“Today, you are stepping into the remarkable life story of M.A. Yusuff Ali.”

In 1973, Yusuff Ali arrived in the UAE a man who had already traveled extensively and gained rich work and business experience. Despite the presence of many others in the Gulf who were older and seemingly more experienced, no one else managed to reach the heights he achieved. What made him different? How did he rise to become one of the world’s billionaires?

To find the answers, we need to go back to a small village in Thrissur, Kerala.

Born on November 15, 1955, into a modest Muslim family, Yusuff Ali’s early life was anything but luxurious. After completing his primary education locally, life took a new turn when he moved to Gujarat, where his father and younger brother were running a small grocery shop and related businesses.

He joined them, boarding a train to Gujarat, not for luxury or education, but to help the family business. It was in that humble shop that he learned the basics of trade understanding customers, managing profit and loss lessons that would shape his entire business journey. In a way, that little grocery shop became his first “Business School.”

A Journey of Hope: A Young Man’s Voyage to Dubai

Along with his growing business instincts, Yusuff Ali believed that education and business must go hand-in-hand. He obtained a diploma in Business Administration as part of this approach.

At that time, his paternal uncle, M.K. Abdullah, was running small businesses in Dubai. To assist him, Yusuff Ali decided to take his first journey to the UAE.

On December 31, 1973, he boarded a ship named Dhoomra from Mumbai port toward the city of hope: Dubai.

One Shop, One Vision The Birth of the Supermarket Idea

In the UAE of the 1980s, shoppers often had to visit multiple stores for daily essentials one shop for rice, another for spices, a third for vegetables. This fragmented retail experience was frustrating for many.

M.A. Yusuff Ali, however, saw an opportunity in that problem. “Why not have a single store where people can get everything under one roof?” That idea became the seed of the supermarket concept in the Gulf.

In 1989, he launched his first supermarket in the UAE—an innovative concept for the region at the time, which quickly gained traction among residents.

Vision Beyond Borders  Rising Amidst Crisis

Building on this success, Yusuff Ali soon envisioned something even larger: a hypermarket—an all-inclusive retail destination.

But challenges weren’t far behind. In the 1990s, the Gulf War disrupted economies, and investments became highly uncertain. Many investors pulled out.

But Yusuff Ali didn’t flinch. His confidence in the region’s potential remained firm. He is remembered for saying:

“I believe in this country.”

This unwavering trust even impressed members of the UAE royal family, helping him build strong and lasting relationships at the highest levels.

1991 Onward: The UAE Rises, and So Does Lulu

As the UAE began recovering from the Gulf War in 1991, Yusuff Ali too began expanding his ventures in new directions.

And from this period emerged what we know today as the Lulu Group International.

The Rise of Lulu Group:

By 2000, the Lulu Group International had formally taken shape.

Today, Lulu Group is:

Present in 37 countries

Operating over 200 hypermarkets across the GCC and beyond

Employing more than 57,000 people from over 37 nationalities

Bringing the Dream Home  Lulu in India

Yusuff Ali wanted to bring his world-class retail vision to his homeland. His first step? Kerala.

With an investment of nearly ₹1,200 crore, he launched Lulu Mall Kochi in 2013. At the time, it was India’s largest shopping mall.

Net Worth and National Recognition

With a current estimated net worth close to $5 billion, Yusuff Ali remains one of the most influential Indian businessmen globally.

In recognition of his achievements and service:

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008

He received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2005, from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

He has been conferred honorary doctorates from several prestigious universities

Beyond Business  A Heart for Humanity

Yusuff Ali’s contributions go far beyond wealth creation. Be it natural disasters, flood relief, or COVID-19 response, he has consistently stepped up with aid, resources, and timely intervention.

Conclusion: The Difference that Made the Man

What sets M.A. Yusuff Ali apart from the thousands who came before and after him?

It’s not just vision it’s vision paired with relentless hard work, unshakable optimism, and a commitment to building, not just businesses, but lives.

A true son of India, a pride of the UAE, and above all, a global symbol of what determination can achieve.

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