Who Is M. A. Yusuff Ali? Age, Biography and Wiki
M. A. Yusuff Ali was born on November 15, 1955, which makes him 69 years old as of 2025. He is best known as the Managing Director of Lulu Group International, which operates a chain of hypermarkets and retail companies across the Middle East and beyond. Hailing from the Indian state of Kerala, Yusuff's journey from his modest beginnings to becoming one of the wealthiest businessmen in India is an inspiration to many. He has built a significant presence in the global retail market.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1955 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Nattika, State of Travancore–Cochin (present day Thrissur, Kerala), India |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | India |
Popularity
M. A. Yusuff Ali's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While precise details about M. A. Yusuff Ali's height and weight are not publicly available, he is known to maintain a professional appearance, often seen in tailored business attire. The focus on his physical attributes may be less emphasized compared to his exemplary business acumen and contributions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
M. A. Yusuff Ali is married to Shabna Yusuff Ali, and together they have two children. The family maintains a relatively private life, often steering clear of media scrutiny. Yusuff's commitment to family values is evident in his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in education and health sectors, reflecting his passion for giving back to society.
On 11 April 2021 the helicopter in which M.A. Yusuff Ali, his wife and three others including the pilots crash landed in a swamp near Kochi, Kerala. Ali and his wife were uninjured and were taken to a nearby hospital for first aid. The private helicopter owned by the businessman had suffered a technical glitch due to adverse weather.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, M. A. Yusuff Ali's net worth is estimated to be around $4.5 billion, making him one of the richest individuals in India. His wealth primarily stems from his extensive business ventures, particularly the success of Lulu Hypermarkets and the diversified investments he has made in various industries, including real estate and hospitality.
Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader, popularly known as M. A. Yusuff Ali (born 15 November 1955), is an Indian businessman and billionaire. He is the chairman and managing director of LuLu Group International, which owns the LuLu Hypermarket chain worldwide and LuLu International Shopping Mall.
With an annual turnover of US$8.4 billion, LuLu Group International employs the largest number of Indian diaspora. According to Forbes Middle East, Yusuff Ali was ranked No. 1 in Top 100 Indian business owners in the Arab World 2018.
As per Forbes billionaires list published in October 2023, he was ranked 27th richest Indian with net worth of US$6.9 billion.
Career, Business and Investments
Yusuff Ali began his career in the early 1970s, and with his vision and leadership, he has successfully expanded Lulu Group International into a global retail powerhouse. The company operates over 200 hypermarkets in the Middle East, making it a household name. Besides retail, Yusuff is actively involved in investments in various sectors such as real estate, healthcare, and hospitality, ensuring that his business portfolio remains diversified and robust. His strategies have garnered accolades and inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs.
After his studies, he left India in 1973 to Abu Dhabi, where his paternal uncle, M. K. Abdullah, the chairman and the founder of the LuLu Group of Companies, was doing business. He developed the import and wholesale distribution of the group and ventured into the supermarket business by launching the Lulu Hypermarket.
He started his first LuLu Hypermarket in the 1990s, a time when the UAE's retail sector witnessed a major change, with the traditional groceries and supermarkets yielding place to large neighbourhood stores and hypermarkets.
While the entry of Continent (now Carrefour) in 1995 changed the face of retail business in Dubai, Yusuff Ali took charge of Abu Dhabi's retail sector by rolling out LuLu Hypermarket.
Social Network
M. A. Yusuff Ali maintains an active presence on various social media platforms. He is especially prominent on LinkedIn and Twitter, where he shares insights into his business ventures, philanthropic efforts, and thoughts on industry trends. His engaging content not only reflects his business philosophy but also serves as an inspiration for upcoming entrepreneurs.
In 2006, he started his large business ventures in India, by starting a convention centre cum hotel at his native place Thrissur, Kerala namely Lulu Convention Centre. In 2013, Yusuff Ali acquired 4.99% of the Thrissur-based CSB Bank and 4.99% shares of Thrissur based Dhanlaxmi Bank.
Also in 2013, he increased his stake in the Aluva-based Federal Bank to 4.47%. In 2014 Yusuff Ali acquired 2% stake of South Indian Bank - another Thrissur based bank. In 2016, Yusuff Ali purchased the Scotland Yard Building in London. As of 2013, he held a 9.37% share in Cochin International Airport.
He has bought a 10% stake in the UK-based trading firm, East India Company, and a 40% stake in its fine foods subsidiary for around $85 million in total.
Education
Yusuff Ali pursued his higher education at the University of Kerala, where he acquired a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. His educational background provided him with a solid foundation in business principles, which he later applied to build his empire. His commitment to education is reflected through numerous scholarships and educational initiatives funded by him and his family.
* 2016 – Was honoured with the archbishop Mar Gregorios Award instituted by the alumni association of Mar Ivanios College, Amicos, for his contribution to the industrial sector in 2016.
