Top Indian businessman and LuLu Group Managing Director Yusuffali M.A. was honored recently by Bahrain with “Wessam Al Bahrain (Medal of Bahrain‚ Order of the King)”

He becomes the first non-Bahraini to receive the honor, said a press release.

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifah presented the top honor on Tuesday on the occasion of the country’s 43rd National Day, in appreciation of Yusuffali’s rich contribution to the progress of the Kingdom.

Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifah, prime minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, crown prince of Bahrain and deputy supreme Commander of Bahrain Defense Force, royal family members, ministers and high-ranking officials were also present at the event.

Thanking King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifah for the honor, Yusuffali attributed his success to the prudent leadership of Bahrain for giving him all the support without which, he said he would not have made his achievements.

LuLu Group has a strong presence in Bahrain.

“Yusuffali has been working closely with the leaders and the government from the start and as a result LuLu Hypermarket has not only grown rapidly but has also contributed to the progress of the Kingdom,” said the press release.

Yusuffali, a board member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industries, is the recipient of Indian honors Padma Shri and Pravasi Bhartiya Samman.

He also topped the Forbes top 100 Indian leaders in the Arab World 2014.

Showing bold entrepreneurship to invest in the GCC at the time of the first Gulf War, Yusuffali became one of the prominent businessmen in the Gulf.

LuLu Group runs a chain of hypermarkets across Gulf countries and India.

Yusuffali has aligned the group’s business plans and economic inputs to reflect the vision of the leadership of Bahrain and the aspirations of the people of the Kingdom, said the release.

Bahrain honored a number of people for their contribution to nation-building.

“As we are accustomed every year to honor outstanding national efforts on this auspicious occasion, we are pleased to honor the efforts of pioneers of national work for their outstanding and dedicated contributions in serving this beloved nation and community,” King Hamad said while addressing the gathering at the royal palace in Manama.