DUBAI: Kerala-born businessman and the Managing Director of the Lulu Group, Yusuff Ali MA, has retained his top position in the annual list of powerful Indians in Gulf countries for the fifth time in a row.
The 'Indian Power List', published yesterday by Arabian Business, names Ali as the most powerful Indian in the Gulf countries.
His Lulu Group has a strong presence in the Middle East's retail sector and is planning expansion in new markets.
A key reason for Ali being considered as the most powerful Indian in the Gulf is also his close proximity to the various ruling family members of GCC countries.
Ali has recently been elected as Director Board Member of Abu Dhabi Chamber for the third consecutive time, becoming the first and only Indian till date to occupy such a position.
He also featured in the Forbes Top Global Billionaire 2014 list.
Lulu Group has operations in 32 countries, with staff strength of 31,000 and has reported revenues of USD 5.2 billion (Rs 33,500 crore) in 2013.