Yusuffali most powerful Indian in Gulf for 4th year in row

Feroz Allana of the Allana Group came second

NRI businessman Yusuffali MA, who runs the largest retail chain in the UAE, has topped the list of the most-powerful Indians in the Gulf for the 4th time in a row with an annual turnover of $4.5 billion.

Kerala-born Yusuffali, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi- based EMKE Group which owns many brands including the Lulu chain of hypermarkets, employs around 27,000 people, including 22,000 Indians, in 29 nations.

Feroz Allana of the Allana Group, which manufactures and markets a well-integrated range of consumer products, came second in the list of '100 most powerful Indians in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)' published today by Arabian Business magazine.

Standard Chartered banking boss V Shankar stood third, ahead of healthcare boss Dr B R Shetty, with legendary investor Ragu Kataria completing the top five.

Ashish Mehta was the highest placed lawyer at number seven, with Sunil John leading the way for entries from PR and Media, at number 14.

The list was propped up by Geebee Group boss G B Jethwani in 100th place.

This year's list also featured a record 11 female entries, with 20th placed Zulekha Daud leading the way, ahead of Jumbo Group boss Vidya Chhabria ranked 39th. Diva Modelling founder Nicole Larsen made her first ever appearance in the list in 52nd place.

Arabian Business editor Ed Attwood said, "The contribution of the Indian community to the growth of the GCC has been nothing short of spectacular, and everyone on this list has played and continues to play a major part in that story."

Those figuring in the list will be honoured on October 28 at a gala event in Dubai, with cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar appearing as the guest of honour.

The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.