Abu Dhabi-based businessman MA Yusuffali emerged as the most powerful Indian businessman in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for the fourth time in a row in a '100 most powerful Indians' list announced by Arabian Business magazine. Yusuffali, who owns the Lulu Hypermarkets chain of stores, took the top slot ahead of food giant Feroz Allana.
Standard Chartered banking boss V Shankar came third, ahead of healthcare boss Dr BR 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.
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.
“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,” Arabian Business Editor Ed Attwood said in a statement.
The majority in the list are based in UAE. There is no Kuwait based Indian in the list even though the Indians in the list such as Landmark Group Micky Jagtiani, EMKE Group’s Yussuf Ali, Tony Jashanmal, Gulfar Muhammadali, Joy Alukkas etc have business units in Kuwait.
Courtesy:iik
