Prominent Indian businessman and head of Middle East’s retail major, Lulu group, MA Yusuff Ali has won the prestigious Abu Dhabi Chamber election for the third time.

Ali, 58, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi-based EMKE who had won previous two elections to elect 15 board members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, retained his seat with 1,721 votes, highest among expatriate candidates.

The elections held yesterday during which 14,555 votes were cast also elected 13 local citizens to the board of directors for a four-year term, his office said today.

Four panels representing 70 Emiratis, including five women and eight expatriate candidates, participated in the elections.

Abu Dhabi Chamber is the only government organisation in the world where expatriates can get elected to the director board through a democratic election process, a statement said.

“I am pleased with faith reposed on me by the business community of Abu Dhabi and I thank them wholeheartedly for helping me to come out victorious once again,” Yusuff said.

“I am fully aware of the responsibilities and I will strive to further enhance the business and investment relationship between India and UAE and work closely with all stake holders for mutual benefit,” he said.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyam, UAE minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development congratulated Yusuff Ali on his hat-trick victory and asked him to continue his work and contribute to the growth of the UAE in general and Abu Dhabi in particular.

Abu Dhabi Chamber is an autonomous entity under government supervision which works towards streamlining and regulating business and industrial affairs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> News / Dubai – June 27th, 2014