2014 Arab World Forbes 100 top Indian leaders

Lulu Group chief Yusuff Ali MA has topped the Forbes "100 top Indian leaders in the Arab World 2014". Forbes, world's top business and financial source unveiled the list at a function held at Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Tower, Dubai. The glittering function was attended by T.P. Seetharaman, Indian Ambassador to UAE and Bollywood Star Sharukh Khan and members of business community.

Landmark Group Chairman Micky Jagtiani came in the second position while Dr. BR Shetty of NMC group stood in the third position. The other prominent persons who appeared in the list are Sunny Varkey, Tony Jashanmal, Sayed Salahuddin, Rajan Kilachand, PNC Menon, Ravi Pillai etc.

Building on last year’s successful issue on the theme of prominent Indian figures in the UAE, Forbes Middle East has stretched its geographical boundaries to recognize Indian leaders, not only in the Emirates, but across the region. Six Indian businessmen from Kuwait make it into the list for the first time.

Yusuff Ali has also been featured in the latest Forbes Billionaires list with a net worth of $2 Billion. He heads Abu Dhabi headquartered Lulu Group, more than $ 5 billion in sales retailing powerhouse that runs 110 hypermarkets, supermarkets, department stores and shopping mall in the MENA region & India and plans to open 42 Hypermarkets in the next two years. The group is all set to expand its operations in Malaysia with 10 new hypermarkets scheduled to open by early next year. Lulu group which has recently been ranked by Deloitte as one of the fastest growing retailers in the world is also investing in developing a logistics and sourcing center in Turkey and Brazil, which are expected to be operational very soon.

Forbes Middle East's Top Indian Leaders in the Arab World event celebrates the drive and passion of the top Indian business leaders in the region. Nearly 170 individuals have made it to the list that celebrates the achievements of India’s top movers and shakers in the Middle East business world.

For the first time (in such a list), six Indian business leaders from Kuwait made their entry at Forbes "100 top Indian leaders in the Arab World 2014" leads by Sri SK Wadhawan, Chairman of Samara Group of Companies in Kuwait on 55th position.

 

S K Wadhawan founded the Samara group in Kuwait in 1964. The company’s businesses are spread over Kuwait, India, Mauritius and the UAE. The group’s major business is in the automobile industry, with dealerships in India and parts distribution businesses in Kuwait and the UAE. Samara is one of the largest dealers for auto parts in Kuwait. The group has the Hyundai dealership in South Delhi, India and has also diversified into real estate. SK Wadhawan is also the Chairman of Indian Business Council in Kuwait.

Other Indians from Kuwait in the list are Dhiraj Oberoi, Ashok Kalra, Ravi Kohli, SM Hyder Ali and Navin Thakkar.

 

Managing Partner of Kuwait Indo Trading Co Ltd (KITCO), Dhiraj Oberoi made Kitco a household name in Kuwait. As MD of Kuwait Indo Trading Company (Kitco), Oberoi added SARA Cake and Kuwait Biscuit Company to the company portfolio. He is on the 60th position in the list.

On 68th position, Mr Ashok Kalra, a popular figure in Kuwait made his 'Mughal Mahal' restaurant a first choice for Indian food among the Kuwaitis. Owns and manage a wide array of restaurants serving a variety of cuisine including Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Continental, and international, Ashok Kalra leverages his extensive knowledge of the hotel and catering industry to drive the future of the company and maintain its leading position.

Ravi Kohli, Managing Director of Al-Sabah & Kohli General Trading & Contracting Company, the largest stockist of corporate and promotional gifts in Kuwait made it to the 79th position in the list while the Chairman of TVS Hyder Group Mr SM Hyder Ali came in the 92nd position in the list. Another Indian on the list from Kuwait on 93rd position is Navin Thakkar, the founder and designated managing director of Honest Group .

The Top Indian Leaders list is compiled after extensive and detailed research into Indian business people residing or operating a business in the region.

Forbes Middle East serves as a major reference point for business information and collaboration, supporting key decision makers and investors across the region, as well as furthering the economic development of the Arab world. This recognition is bound to yield good results for the global economy.

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