Kerala business tycoon Yusuff Ali named most influential expat in the UAE
Indian entrepreneur Yusuff Ali M A, Chairman of Lulu Group International, has been named the most influential expatriate in the United Arab Emirates, according to a new ranking published by Finance World, a leading financial magasine in the Middle East.
The annual list, titled “Top 100 Expat Leaders in the UAE,” recognizes foreign-born individuals whose work has had a significant impact on the UAE’s economy and society. Yusuff Ali, who hails from the Indian state of Kerala, was praised for his role in transforming the UAE’s retail sector through innovation, affordability, customer service, and digital growth.
As the head of Lulu Group, Yusuff Ali oversees one of the region’s largest retail and hospitality conglomerates, operating hypermarkets, shopping malls and logistics hubs across the Gulf and Asia. He was also recognised for his philanthropic efforts, strong ties with UAE leadership, and commitment to social initiatives in both the UAE and India, particularly in healthcare and education.
Ajay Bhatia, Chairman of the Bhatia Group and founder of SOL Properties, ranked second, while Dhananjay Datar, Chairman and Managing Director of Al Adil Trading, came in third. Datar is widely credited with introducing and popularising Indian spices and food products in the Gulf region.
Other top-ranking business leaders in the list include Ghassan Aboud (Founder, Ghassan Aboud Group), Jacky Punjabi (Chairman, Jacky’s Group), Joy Alukkas (Joyalukkas Group), Thumbay Moideen (Founder, Thumbay Hospitals), L T Pagarani (Chairman, Choithrams), Patrick Chalhoub (Chalhoub Group) and Ramesh S Ramakrishnan (Transworld Group).
Renuka Jagtiani, Chairperson of Landmark Group, is the highest-ranked woman on the list. Also featured are Vidya M Chhabria of Jumbo Group and Dr Zulekha Daud, founder of Zulekha Healthcare Group.
The list reflects the strong presence of Keralite expatriates in the UAE’s business landscape. Notable figures from Kerala who also made the list include Dr Shamsheer Vayalil (Burjeel Holdings), Adeeb Ahmed (Lulu Financial Holdings), Shamlal Ahamed (Malabar Gold & Diamonds), and Sunny Varkey (GEMS Education).
Yusuff Ali’s top ranking underlines the growing influence of Indian expatriates in the Gulf and highlights the vital role of cross-border entrepreneurship in the region’s development.
