Latest news with #LuLuGroup
The Hindu
33 minutes ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Construction of LuLu mega shopping mall in Visakhapatnam will begin soon, says its CMD Yousuff Ali
LuLu International CMD M.A. Yousuff Ali said at the Investopia-CII meet organised here on Wednesday that the UAE-based multinational business conglomerate would soon begin the construction of a mega shopping mall in Visakhapatnam that would provide employment to 5,000 to 8,000 persons. The LuLu mall in Cochin, which was India's biggest, employed 8,230 persons. The company would soon start a food processing plant and a hypermarket in Vijayawada. Similar hypermarkets were planned in other cities in Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Ali said, observing that these projects would bring in the much-needed foreign exchange and generate employment. Mr. Ali said Andhra Pradesh was achieving commendable progress with each passing day, and that the LuLu Group was happy to be again associated with the State government, while recalling that the construction of the shopping mall in Visakhapatnam did not fructify earlier for reasons beyond his control. As far as the proposed food processing plant in Vijayawada was concerned, Mr. Ali said the area had abundant raw materials, and the facility would help the company in ensuring uninterrupted supply of that material to its 38 food processing plants located around the world. Currently, LuLu was exporting a huge quantity of vegetables and fruits from Andhra Pradesh.
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Why bringing back Nimisha Priya, Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen, is a diplomatic rigmarole
Last week, Priya's execution was postponed after efforts of the government of India at the diplomatic level. The efforts are aimed at allowing the families to reach a 'mutually agreeable solution'. Priya allegedly sedated Talal Abdo Mahdi in an attempt to retrieve her passport to leave the country in 2017. However, Mahdi overdosed and died, according to reports. Priya has been in prison in Yemen's capital Sana'a since 2017, convicted of killing her business partner. Sana'a is governed by the separatist organisation—Ansar Allah—also known as the Houthis. India does not recognise nor maintain ties with the Iran-backed movement that has controlled Sana'a since 2014. Rather it recognises the government operating in the port city of Aden to the South, which is recognised internationally as the regime in-charge of Yemen. New Delhi: The complexities of Yemen—a fractured nation, in the midst of a civil war for over a decade, with rival regional powers jockeying for influence, combined with a lack of diplomatic representation from New Delhi—are all playing a role in the fate of Nimisha Priya, the Kerala-born nurse on death row in the West Asian nation. Born in Kerala's Palakkad district, Nimisha moved to Yemen in 2008 for work. Three years later, she married Tomy Thomas and the two moved back to Yemen and continued working in the West Asian nation. However, by early 2012, Yemen witnessed a major political change due to the impact of the Arab Spring, with its long-time leader Ali Abdullah Saleh lost his grip on power, after 22 years in control of Sana'a. Within two years, the Houthis, from the North of the country, swept across Yemen, capturing Sana'a and dislodging Saleh's successor Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi from the city. It was around this time that Priya decided to open her own clinic in the West Asian nation. For a foreigner to operate a business in Yemen, the law requires a local partner. Mahdi entered the situation, even though Priya eventually opened the clinic with her former boss Abdul Lateef, according to media reports. But Mahdi managed to become a shareholder, and allegedly created documents to show that Priya was his wife, and even took away her passport. Facing torture at the hands of Mahdi, Priya eventually decided to sedate him, retrieve her documents and leave the country, according to reports. However, Mahdi died and Priya was arrested attempting to flee the country. In 2020, Nimisha Priya was sentenced to death, which was upheld in 2023 by the Supreme Judicial Council. In April 2024, Premakumari, Nimisha Priya's mother finally travelled to Yemen and met her daughter in prison in Sana'a. There were negotiations over the payment of blood money between Mahdi's family and Priya's family. However, by September 2024 the negotiations were said to have hit a roadblock. Prominent businesspersons from Kerala including M.A. Yussuff Ali of the LuLu Group and Bobby Chemmanur have offered up to Rs 1 crore each for any potential settlement leading to the release of Priya. The efforts are being coordinated by the 'Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council'. Last week, Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed that New Delhi has been in touch with the 'local authorities'—the Houthis—in Sana'a as it continues to diplomatically seek her release. The only other option for Priya's release is the payment of 'diyah' or blood money to the family of the murdered Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi. Also read: Setback for efforts to save Nimisha Priya from execution in Yemen as victim's family refuses pardon The situation in Yemen Since September 2014, Yemen has been fractured by a civil war fought primarily between the internationally recognised government, currently led by Rashad al-Alimi, and the Houthis. The Houthis are known currently for their efforts to disrupt trade through the Red Sea, in response to Israel's military actions in the Gaza strip. The civil war in Yemen has regional implications, with Saudi Arabia leading a coalition to dislodge the Houthis from power. Iran, however, supports the Houthis, a Shi'ite revivalist movement, with a history of rising up against the Sunnis in power in the country. Yemen became the latest flash point for the proxy struggle between Riyadh and Tehran for control over West Asia. In April 2015, after evacuating its citizens from Yemen, New Delhi shut down its mission in the West Asian nation, with all issues with regards to the country handled through its embassy in Riyadh. Furthermore, India has no official ties with Ansar Allah, which has been in control of Sana'a, where Nimisha Priya has been imprisoned since 2018. In January 2025, Iran offered its assistance to India for the release of Priya. Last week, however, a source in the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi pointed to the current situation in West Asia, which has led to Tehran's inability to be involved in the diplomatic process to see Priya's return. When Priya first moved to Yemen in 2008, the country had been under the control of Ali Abdullah Saleh for over 18 years. Saleh, born in 1946, in a town outside Sana'a, rose through the ranks in the military of North Yemen. The country, which was divided between Monarchists and Republicans, was led by a number of military juntas, till Saleh arrived in the political scene in 1978. For the next 12 years, the Yemeni strongman consolidated power and led the country's reunification with the Communist South Yemen in 1990, following the collapse of the USSR. Saleh remained in power for the next 22 years, until the effects of the Arab Spring led to his downfall in 2012. He was replaced by his long-standing vice-president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. In September 2014, the Ansar Allah occupied Sana'a, demanding lower fuel prices and the formation of a new government. The rebel movement swept South from its stronghold in the North and within months had captured Sana'a. Hadi and the Houthis engaged in fraught negotiations to find a political agreement. However, this failed in January 2015, Hadi resigned and fled Yemen for Saudi Arabia. In February of that year, Hadi rescinded his resignation and a month later Saudi Arabia along with a coalition of Gulf states began their war in Yemen to dislodge the Houthis through both economic isolation and air strikes along with logistical support from the US. The Houthis during the initial stages received support from Saleh, as well as military aid from Tehran. The movement soon controlled territory consisting roughly 70 percent of the population, according to some estimates. The proxy war continued for years, with the frontlines largely stabilising following the Saudi-led intervention, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Eventually the Hadi government stabilised its control over Aden, while the Houthis held Sana'a and large swathes of North and North-Western Yemen. Eventually in 2022 a ceasefire was agreed to by both parties, which has been maintained since. Hadi resigned in 2022 after a decade in power, leading to a Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) consisting of eight members and led by al-Alimi. The PLC is the internationally recognised regime, and operates out of Aden. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Day before her execution, a ray of hope for Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
LuLu launches three LOT stores in Saudi Arabia on a single day
In a significant stride toward retail expansion, LuLu Group has inaugurated three new LOT – The Value concept stores across Saudi Arabia in a single day, with grand openings held in the the holy city of Makkah, Saihat (Eastern Province), and Riyadh. The central launch event took place in Makkah and was graced by the presence of prominent dignitaries and government officials. The Makkah store was officially inaugurated by Dr Waleed Basuliman, general manager of Investment and Partnerships at the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy sites, alongside LuLu Group chairman Yusuff Ali M A. The event also witnessed the attendance of key figures including Eng. Yaser Attar, director general of investment and deputy for planning and financial sustainability at Makkah Municipality. Prominent business personalities from Makkah such as Engineer Abdulaziz Al Sindi and Sheikh Ibrahim Al Rifaei also participated in the ceremony. "This expansion reflects our commitment to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and our goal to offer high-quality, affordable products to all. With LOT, we aim to redefine value retailing by making everyday essentials accessible to everyone without compromising on quality. Four more LOT stores are in the pipeline in the Kingdom," said Yusuff Ali M A. Located on Abdullah Areef Street in the Al Rusafyah District, the new LOT store in Makkah spans 43,000 sq ft and is designed to offer an engaging, budget-friendly shopping experience. It features a broad assortment of household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children, emphasising both quality and affordability. Ample parking space is available, ensuring convenience for both residents and visitors. These value-focused concept stores offer an impressive range of products at unbeatable prices, with many items priced below 22 Riyals. The initiative is aimed at ensuring every customer has access to high-quality goods across key categories. The Eastern Province outlet, located in Saihat within the LuLu Hypermarket complex on Al Musib Ibn Rafi Street, spans 24,000 sq ft of smart retail space tailored for budget-conscious shoppers. Meanwhile, the Riyadh branch, located in Al Malaz, offers 18,772 sq ft of retail space and comprehensive parking facilities, positioning it as a flagship destination for value shopping in the capital. All three outlets opened with exclusive collections and attractive promotional offers, reinforcing LOT's core mission of providing good-quality products at wallet-friendly prices, catering to the rising demand for affordable yet premium retail experiences. With this strategic expansion, LuLu Group continues to solidify its footprint in the Saudi market, energising the local retail landscape and reaffirming its commitment to delivering value-driven shopping across the Kingdom's key cities.
Khaleej Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
LuLu expands its presence in KSA; launches new hypermarket in Al-Baghdadiyah, Jeddah
LuLu Retail has further strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia with the grand opening of a new hypermarket in Jeddah's Al-Baghdadiyah district. Located along the vibrant Al Andalus Road, the new outlet offers a comprehensive and modern shopping experience that combines convenience, variety, and innovative retail design. The launch aligns with the Group's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by enhancing consumer services and contributing to the local economy. The store was officially inaugurated by Eng. Nasar Salem Almoteb, deputy mayor of construction, Jeddah Municipality, in the presence of Ihsan Bafakih, board member of the Saudi Tourism Development Fund; Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul-general of the UAE in Jeddah; Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, consul-general of India in Jeddah; and Yusuffali M A, chairman of LuLu Group, along with other dignitaries. "We are proud to further strengthen our footprint in Jeddah with the launch of this hypermarket in Al-Baghdadiyah. This expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by creating jobs, enhancing retail infrastructure, and offering world-class shopping experiences to the community. We remain dedicated to being a catalyst in Saudi Arabia's dynamic retail transformation." Spanning over 10,900 sq m, the hypermarket features a wide array of retail sections, including a fully stocked supermarket, fresh food zones, LuLu Connect electronics, fashion store, and specialty counters such as BLSH and Eye Express. A spacious food court adjacent to the Fresh Food section provides shoppers with a relaxing space to enjoy freshly prepared meals. To ensure a smooth and convenient shopping experience, the store offers ample dedicated parking, accommodating both local residents and visitors. To celebrate the opening, exclusive inaugural offers are available across all departments, giving customers exceptional value on high-quality products. The Al-Baghdadiyah hypermarket marks a key milestone in LuLu Group's strategy to serve evolving consumer needs while supporting the Kingdom's long-term vision for sustainable economic and social development. Also present on the occasion were Saleh Ihsan Tayeb, director of corporate communications, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce; Youssef Abdullah Al-Salami, Mayor of Al-Baghdadiyah; Mohammed Wajih bin Hassan Sharbatly, Member of the Board of Managers, Al Nahla Group; Eng. Sami Abdulaziz Al-Mukhdoob, CEO – real estate sector, Al Nahla Group, and other dignitaries.
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Lulu's new store in Jeddah offers everything from daily essentials to lifestyle needs
Lulu Retail has further strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia with the grand opening of a new hypermarket in Jeddah's Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharbiyah district. Located along the vibrant Al-Andalus Road, the new outlet offers a comprehensive and modern shopping experience that combines convenience, variety, and innovative retail design. The launch is in line with the group's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by enhancing consumer services and contributing to the local economy. The store was inaugurated by Nasar Salem Almoteb, deputy mayor of Jeddah Municipality, in the presence of Ihsan Bafakih, executive vice chairman of Al Nahla group, Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, consul general of India in Jeddah, and Yusuffali M.A, chairman of LuLu group, along with other dignitaries. 'We are proud to further strengthen our footprint in Jeddah with the launch of this hypermarket in Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharbiyah. This expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by creating jobs, enhancing retail infrastructure, and offering world-class shopping experiences to the community. We remain dedicated to being a catalyst in Saudi Arabia's dynamic retail transformation." Spanning over 117000 square feet, the hypermarket features a wide array of retail sections, including a fully stocked supermarket, fresh food zones, LuLu Connect electronics, fashion store, and specialty counters such as BLSH and Eye Express. A spacious food court adjacent to the fresh food section provides shoppers with a relaxing space to enjoy freshly prepared meals. To ensure a smooth and convenient shopping experience, the store offers ample dedicated parking, accommodating both local residents and visitors. To celebrate the opening, exclusive inaugural offers are available across all departments, giving customers exceptional value on high-quality products. The Al-Baghdadiyah hypermarket marks a key milestone in LuLu group's strategy to serve evolving consumer needs while supporting the Kingdom's long-term vision for sustainable economic and social development. Also present on the occasion were Saleh Ihsan Tayeb, director of corporate communications, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce; Youssef Abdullah Al-Salami, mayor of Al-Baghdadiyah; Mohammed Wajih bin Hassan Sharbatly, member of the board of managers, Al Nahla group; Sami Abdulaziz Al-Mukhdoob, CEO – real estate sector, Al Nahla group and other dignitaries.
