Satyendra Pathak
Doha
The Lulu Group, one of the region’s most prominent retail giants, has once again reinforced its footprint in Qatar with the grand opening of its 24th outlet, located at the North Plaza Mall in Umm Al Amad. This significant event, held on Sunday, marks another milestone in Lulu Group’s journey, reflecting its continued commitment to expansion and innovation in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, business leaders, and government officials. Prominent Qatari businessman Sheikh Faysal Khalifa Sultan Al Thani had the honour of cutting the ribbon, officially opening the doors of the new hypermarket. Also gracing the occasion were Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Vipul, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Thani, Lulu Group International Chairman and Managing Director Yusuff Ali MA Lulu Group Director of Global Operations and CSO Dr Mohamed Althaf, along with other esteemed guests.
Yusuff Ali, the driving force behind Lulu Group’s impressive global expansion, addressed the attendees with a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude towards Qatar’s leadership and the company’s loyal customer base.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you today to inaugurate our newest Lulu Hypermarket and Express Store in Umm Al Amad. This marks a significant milestone as it is our 24th store in Qatar and the 273rd in Lulu Group’s ever-growing family of hypermarkets around the world,” Yusuff Ali said.
He attributed much of Lulu Group’s success in Qatar to the visionary leadership of His Highness the Amir of Qatar and the supportive policies of the Qatari government, which have created a conducive business environment that fosters growth and innovation.
Reflecting on Lulu Group’s journey in Qatar, Yusuff Ali spoke of the strong and enduring ties between the retailer and the State of Qatar. He especially thanked Sheikh Faysal Khalifa Sultan Al Thani for his presence at the event, acknowledging his support as a reflection of the deep-rooted partnership between the Lulu Group and the Qatari leadership.
“Our success and growth in this beautiful nation would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of His Highness the Amir of Qatar and the tremendous support of the Qatari government,” he said, adding that Lulu is deeply committed to contributing to the nation’s vibrant economy and retail landscape.
One of the standout features of the new outlet is its focus on sustainability and innovation. The 25,000-square-foot hypermarket is designed to cater to modern consumers who prioritize eco-friendly options, convenience, andvariety.
Among the store’s many innovations are the introduction of Planet-Y, a section dedicated to plant-based alternatives, offering a range of vegan, vegetarian, and organic products. This section also includes a Zero Waste refill station, allowing customers to use reusable containers to purchase dry goods, an initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics.
The sustainability theme extends throughout the store, with eco-friendly checkout counters and smart technology designed to create a seamless shopping experience. Lulu has integrated self-checkout systems to ensure faster transactions, and customers can also benefit from a Reverse Vending Machine, which offers incentives for recycling plastic bottles.
These features highlight Lulu Group’s commitment to aligning its operations with global sustainability goals and ensuring that its stores are not only convenient and customer-friendly but also environmentally conscious.
The product range at the new Umm Al Amad outlet reflects Lulu’s signature diversity. Customers can browse through an extensive fresh market section, which offers high-quality produce sourced both locally and from around the world. The store’s in-house bakery promises freshly baked goods daily, while a dedicated juice station serves freshly made juices, appealing to health-conscious shoppers.
For those following specific dietary preferences or restrictions, Lulu has curated an extensive selection of products, including vegan, organic, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Dedicated’ sections for superfoods, protein products, and items with ‘no added sugar or under 100 calories’ further emphasise the retailer’s focus on catering to a wide array of consumerpreferences.
This attention to detail in product selection and customer experience extends to the design of the store itself. Ample parking is available for customers, making accessibility a priority. The store is also equipped with wheelchair-accessible facilities, ensuring that all members of the community can shop with ease. Gift-wrapping services and seating areas enhance the customer experience, offering added convenience for shoppers who want a comfortable and enjoyable trip to the store.
Speaking about the future, Yusuff Ali shared exciting news with the audience, announcing that three more Lulu outlets will be opening soon in Qatar. “As we look to the future, we are excited to share that we will be opening three more stores soon—one later this year and two more in the first quarter of next year. With each new opening, we aim to bring even more convenience, variety, and value to the communities we serve,” he said.
Indian Ambassador to Qatar HE Vipul, also addressed the attendees, expressing his pride in Lulu Group’s achievements and its contribution to the strong India-Qatar relationship.
“I am very pleased to be here today as the Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali opens yet another Lulu store in Qatar, marking the 24th branch in this wonderful country. As he rightly said, we are deeply grateful to His Highness the Amir and the Qatari government for their continued support to the Indian community as well as to the Lulu Group,” the Indian envoy said.
He also lauded Yusuff Ali’s remarkable success as an Indian entrepreneur in the Gulf region, particularly in Qatar, and expressed confidence in the growing bond between India and Qatar in the coming years.
