Early Life
M.A. Yusuff Ali was born on November 15, 1955, in Nattika, a village in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier's High School in Karanchira and holds a diploma in Business Management and Administration. He moved to Abu Dhabi in 1973 to join his paternal uncle's business, which focused on import and distribution.
Rise to Success
Ali's career began when he started handling import and distribution, eventually focusing on the local market. He developed the LuLu Hypermarket chain, opening his first hypermarket in the 1990s. Under his leadership, LuLu Group International has expanded to include hypermarkets, shopping malls, and various other ventures across 22 countries. LuLu Group International's annual turnover is $8 billion. In 2024, the retail business was listed on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange, raising $1.7 billion. He has also acquired stakes in several banks.
Key Business Strategies
The success of LuLu Group International is attributed to its strategic expansion, particularly in the Middle East and India. The group has focused on providing a wide range of products and services, ensuring a unique shopping experience. The company has also prioritized an omnichannel strategy, with significant growth in e-commerce sales.
Philanthropy
Yusuff Ali is involved in various charitable and humanitarian activities through the Yusuff Ali Foundation, both in India and the Gulf region. His philanthropic initiatives include supporting education, disaster relief, and healthcare. He has supported schools in Gaza and Nepal through Dubai Cares and established a multi-faith funeral center in Sharjah. He donated to the Kerala flood relief efforts and constructed a mall in his village, donating its profits to charity.