ABU DHABI — Yusuff Ali MA, prominent NRI businessman and chairman of retail group LuLu has been honored with Abu Dhabi's top civilian award.

The prestigious Abu Dhabi Award was given to Yusuff Ali for his outstanding contribution to Abu Dhabi's Business, Industry and support to various philanthropic initiatives.

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of UAE Armed Forces, presented the award to Yusuff Ali here.

"A very proud and emotional moment in my life. I am really overwhelmed and humbled to receive such a great honor from Abu Dhabi where I have been living for the past 47 years," said the Kerala-born Yusuff Ali after receiving the honor.

"It was on Dec. 31, 1973, I arrived in the UAE with new dreams and hopes. I have reached here after seeing many ups and downs and various challenges and I take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the visionary leadership of this great country especially Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi."

Yusuff Ali is the only Indian along with other 11 prominent personalities that include 9 UAE nationals to receive this great honor this year.

The Abu Dhabi Awards is a government of Abu Dhabi initiative that recognizes and honors individuals who have selflessly dedicated themselves to support and contribute to the development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Yusuf Ali who was recently ranked in the Forbes Billionaire list 2021 as richest Indian in the Middle East also is billed as the most influential Indian in the Middle East thanks to his close proximity with the Gulf rulers.

He has received numerous awards, including the Order of the King of Bahrain in 2014, and British Queen's Award in 2017. In addition, he is also the first expatriate to be given the permanent residency visa by UAE and Saudi Arabia. — SG