Dubai , February 18, 2026 : M. A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman of Lulu Group International, has been ranked the most influential Indian expatriate in the Middle East, topping The 100 NRIs list released by leading regional business magazine Middle East Entrepreneur.
The annual ranking recognises Indian-origin leaders who have made significant contributions across retail, real estate, healthcare, finance, technology, innovation and strategic investments. According to the magazine, the list was curated after an extensive evaluation of business impact, leadership influence and long-term contribution to regional economic growth.
Yusuff Ali Leads the Rankings
The publication highlighted Yusuff Ali’s transformative role in modernising the retail ecosystem across the Gulf region. Under his leadership, Lulu Group established a professionalised retail model that strengthened supply chains, enhanced food security frameworks and generated large-scale employment opportunities.
Beyond retail, the group’s investments in hospitality, healthcare, financial services and sustainable infrastructure have accelerated diversified economic development in the region, the magazine noted.
Prominent Names in the Top Five
Joining Yusuff Ali in the top five are:
- Sunny Varkey, Founder and Executive Chairman of GEMS Education
- Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank
- Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder of Aster DM Healthcare
- Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings
The magazine underscored the critical role played by healthcare, education and financial institutions in shaping the Middle East’s long-term growth trajectory.
Business Leaders Dominate Top Ten
Several high-profile Indian business leaders also secured places in the top ten, including:
- Adeeb Ahamed, MD of Lulu Financial Holdings
- Vivek Oberoi, Bollywood actor and Co-founder of BNW Developments
- Ankur Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of BNW Developments
- Ajay Bhatia, Founder and CEO of SOL Properties
- Manish Malhotra, Creative Director and entrepreneur
Industry Stalwarts Feature in the List
Other notable figures featured include:
P. N. C. Menon of Sobha Group;
Thumbay Moideen of Thumbay Group;
Ravi Pillai of RP Group;
Firoz Merchant of Pure Gold Jewellers;
Rizwan Sajan of Danube Group;
Sohan Roy of Aries Group;
Ramesh Ramakrishnan of Transworld Group;
Joy Alukkas; and
Shamlal Ahamed of Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
Women Leaders Make Strong Presence
The list also highlights the growing influence of women leaders in the region’s corporate landscape. Among those featured prominently are:
Sima Ganwani Ved of Apparel Group;
Prakriti Singh of Mastercard;
Renuka Jagtiani of Landmark Group;
Shobha Menon of Equiti Group;
Vidya Chhabria of Jumbo Group;
Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare; and
Sonia Gokhale of VentureSouq.
Celebrating Indian Impact in the Gulf
The 100 NRIs list reflects the expanding economic and strategic footprint of the Indian diaspora in the Middle East. From retail and infrastructure to healthcare and fintech, Indian entrepreneurs continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s evolving business landscape.
With strong cross-border trade ties and long-standing cultural connections between India and the Gulf nations, the influence of Indian business leaders in the Middle East shows no signs of slowing down.
