Yusuff Ali: The Billionaire Visionary Behind LuLu Group’s Global Success
How M. A. Yusuff Ali Built a Retail Empire From Kerala to the Gulf
Introduction
Yusuff Ali, a name synonymous with global retail success, is one of the most influential Indian entrepreneurs in the world. Born in a modest village in Kerala, M. A. Yusuff Ali defied the odds to become the visionary founder and chairman of LuLu Group International — a multibillion-dollar empire with a footprint across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. His journey from a small-town youth to a business magnate is not just inspiring but also a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and cultural pride.
Through his ventures, Yusuff Ali has not only transformed the retail landscape of the Gulf region but also uplifted the lives of thousands of expatriate workers. With numerous awards, accolades, and philanthropic contributions under his belt, his story is one of ambition, values, and visionary leadership.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1955 |
| Age | 69 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | Malayali Muslim |
| Accent | Indian (Malayali, Gulf-influenced) |
| Education | Diploma in Business Management & Administration |
| Spouse | Shabira Yusuff Ali |
| Children | Shabeena, Shafeena, Shifa |
| Primary Business | Chairman & MD of LuLu Group International |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5.5B – $7.4B (approx. ₹45K – ₹61K crore) |
| Residence | Abu Dhabi, UAE & Kochi, Kerala |
Yusuff Ali, born on 15 November 1955 in Nattika, Thrissur, Kerala, was raised in a modest Malayali Muslim family. He attended St. Xavier’s High School in Karanchira before pursuing a diploma in Business Management & Administration. His early exposure to commerce came from family-run trade activities, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit.
In 1973, at just 18 years old, Yusuff Ali moved to Abu Dhabi to join his paternal uncle’s business, Emke Group. This shift marked the beginning of what would become a life-changing journey in the world of retail and business innovation.
Launching LuLu and Building an Empire
The Birth of LuLu Group International
After gaining experience in distribution and import services, Yusuff Ali recognized a massive opportunity in the UAE’s retail sector. In the early 1990s, he launched the first LuLu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi. With a unique mix of affordability, accessibility, and variety, the brand quickly resonated with expatriate and local communities alike.
LuLu Group International, under his leadership, expanded rapidly. It now operates over 250 hypermarkets, shopping malls, and retail outlets across the Gulf, India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. The brand “Yusuff Ali LuLu” became synonymous with modern retail excellence.
Diversifying Beyond Retail
Yusuff Ali Musaliam didn’t stop at retail. He ventured into logistics, hospitality, food processing, and banking. His strategic investments include significant stakes in Federal Bank, South Indian Bank, and Cochin International Airport. He also owns premium properties such as the Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London and a luxurious mansion in Kochi, Kerala.
Family and Personal Life
Yusuff Ali is married to Shabira Yusuff Ali, a private figure who supports various philanthropic initiatives. The couple has three daughters — Shabeena, Shafeena, and Shifa.
Shafeena Yusuff Ali is an Oxford-educated entrepreneur and the founder of Tablez, a food and retail brand operating in multiple countries. She’s also the Chairperson of Twenty14 Holdings and co-founder of the Adeeb Shafeena Foundation.
Shabeena Yusuff Ali, the eldest, is married to Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a leading figure in healthcare and business. Shifa, the youngest, is married to Sharoon Shamsudheen, also associated with corporate ventures.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Global and Indian Rankings
M. A. Yusuff Ali’s net worth is consistently ranked among the highest in the Middle East and India. As of mid-2025, his estimated fortune ranges between $5.5 billion and $7.4 billion, which is approximately ₹45,000 crore to ₹61,000 crore in Indian rupees.
He holds a strong position in the Forbes Billionaires List and remains the wealthiest Malayali globally. Yusuff Ali’s income stems mainly from retail operations, real estate holdings, hospitality businesses, and strategic financial investments.
Life in Abu Dhabi and Kerala
Yusuff Ali splits his time between his primary residence in Abu Dhabi and his mansion in Kochi. His house in Kerala, often referred to as the largest private residence in the state, is a 60,000-square-foot waterfront estate with a helipad. It symbolizes both his connection to his roots and the scale of his success.
The home has attracted significant media attention under keywords like “MA Yusuff Ali house in Kerala” and “M A Yusuff Ali house”. It’s not just an architectural marvel but also a reflection of the lifestyle he’s built through decades of perseverance.
Recognition, Awards, and Social Contributions
Global Honors
Yusuff Ali has received numerous accolades, including:
-
Padma Shri (2008) from the Government of India
-
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (2005)
-
Abu Dhabi Award (2021), the highest civilian honor in the UAE capital
-
Honorary doctorates from Middlesex University and Mahatma Gandhi University
Philanthropy and Legacy
From building schools in Gaza to supporting Kerala’s flood victims and contributing to community mosques and churches, Yusuff Ali’s philanthropy reflects his inclusive worldview. His foundation and corporate CSR programs focus on education, healthcare, and sustainable development.
He remains a symbol of empowerment for the Indian diaspora, especially for Keralites seeking global success without losing cultural identity.
Latest Developments
Yusuff Ali’s companies are preparing for future expansions in e-commerce and AI-driven retail infrastructure. Meanwhile, the LuLu IPO buzz has sparked investor interest globally, especially in the Middle East and India.
He continues to stay relevant in the news under search terms like “M A Yusuff Ali net worth”, “MA Yusuff Ali family”, and “Yusuff Ali LuLu”, with consistent coverage across financial and lifestyle media.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings in Kerala to commanding boardrooms in Abu Dhabi, Yusuff Ali has proven that vision and grit can break every boundary. His leadership of LuLu Group International has not only shaped the retail industry but also established a legacy of inclusive growth, cultural representation, and global impact.
Whether through his billion-dollar ventures, philanthropic footprint, or the success of his next-generation family leaders like Shafeena Yusuff Ali, he continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe. Yusuff Ali’s story is more than a biography — it’s a blueprint of excellence rooted in humility, hard work, and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Yusuff Ali?
Yusuff Ali is an Indian billionaire businessman and the founder of LuLu Group International, a global retail conglomerate based in Abu Dhabi.
What is M. A. Yusuff Ali’s net worth in rupees?
His net worth is estimated between ₹45,000 crore and ₹61,000 crore as of 2025.
Who are the daughters of MA Yusuff Ali?
He has three daughters — Shabeena, Shafeena, and Shifa — all of whom are married and involved in business or philanthropy.
Where is MA Yusuff Ali’s house in Kerala?
His luxurious residence is located in Kochi, Kerala, and spans approximately 60,000 square feet.
What is the business of LuLu Group?
LuLu Group International operates retail hypermarkets, shopping malls, food processing units, hospitality services, and logistics networks across multiple countries.
