Early Life
Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader, known as M.A. Yusuff Ali, was born on November 15, 1955, in Nattika, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. He received his education at St. Xavier's High School in Karanchira and later obtained a diploma in Business Management and Administration.
Rise to Success
In 1973, at the age of 18, Yusuff Ali moved to Abu Dhabi to join his uncle's small distribution business. He started handling import and distribution, focusing on goods for the local market. Ali's leadership led to the expansion of the business into the LuLu Group, a major retail conglomerate with a global presence. The first LuLu Hypermarket opened in the 1990s, which coincided with a shift in the retail landscape, and allowed for further expansion of the chain.
Key Business Strategies
LuLu Group International, under Yusuff Ali's leadership, has focused on providing high-quality products at affordable prices. The group has diversified its operations into various sectors, including retail, hospitality, food processing, and real estate. A key strategy involves sourcing produce directly from farms to stabilize prices. The group is also expanding its private label portfolio. In 2024, Lulu Retail was listed on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange.
Philanthropy
M.A. Yusuff Ali is actively involved in philanthropic activities. He has donated to various causes, including disaster relief, education, and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contributed $6.8 million to fight the pandemic. He also built and donated a treatment center with 1,400 beds in Kerala.
