Chairman of Lulu Group and Malayali M A Yusuff Ali has topped the list of the most influential expatriates in the UAE, as published by the prominent financial magazine Finance World. He ranked first in Finance World's ‘Top 100 Expat Leaders’ list.

Finance World described Yusuff Ali as a pioneering developer in the UAE's modern and diverse retail sector. The publication praised his achievements in maintaining price stability of products, delivering excellent customer service, providing robust infrastructure and expanding business operations. They also highlighted his strong personal relationship with the UAE's rulers, his humanitarian involvement, his social commitment, and his contributions to the health and education sectors in the UAE.

Ajay Bhattia, chairman of Bhattia Group and founder of SL Properties, considered one of the most trusted real estate companies in Dubai, secured second place on the list.

Dhananjay Datar, chairman and managing director of Al Adil Trading, came in third. He has played a key role in introducing the richness of Indian spices to the UAE.

Syrian national Ghassan Aboud, founder of Ghassan Aboud Group, Jacky Panjabi, chairman of Jacky's Group, Joy Alukkas, Thumbay Moideen, founder of Thumbay Hospitals, L T Pagarani, chairman of Choithrams Group, Patrick Chalhoub, executive chairman of Chalhoub Group and Ramesh S Ramakrishnan, chairman of Transworld Group, a global shipping and logistics company, were all featured in the top 10.

Other Malayalis included in the list are Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder of Burjeel Holdings, Adeeb Ahamed, managing director of Lulu Financial Holdings, Shamlal Ahamed, managing director of Malabar Gold and Diamonds, and Sunny Varkey, head of GEMS Education.

Renuka Jagtiani, chairperson of Landmark Group, was the most prominent woman featured on the list.