Kingdom of Bahrain, which is celebrating its 43rd National Day yesterday honoured a number of people for their contribution to nation-building, on the occasion of Bahrain's 43rd National Day and marking the 15th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. 'As we are accustomed every year to honour outstanding national efforts on this auspicious occasion, we are pleased to honour 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 gathering at the royal palace in Manama.

Prominent Indian businessman and Managing Director of Lulu Group Yusuff Ali MA was also honoured among others with "Wessam Al Bahrain (Medal of Bahrain - Order of the King)", thus making him the first ever non Bahraini to get such a honour. His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain presented Kingdom’s top honour to Yusuff Ali in appreciation of his rich contribution to the progress of the Kingdom during a grand function held at the royal palace in Manama as part of the National day celebration.

Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain and Deputy Supreme Commander of Bahrain Defence Force, royal family members, ministers and high ranking officials were also present on the occasion. The even also marked with a spectacular parade of the Bahrain Defence Forces.

Lulu Group which has a strong presence in the Kingdom of which Yusuff Ali is the managing director has aligned business plans and economic inputs to reflect the vision of the leadership of Bahrain and the aspirations of the people of the Kingdom.This has led to his working closely with the leaders and the government from the start and as a result, Lulu Hypermarket has not only grown rapidly but it has contributed richly to the progress of the Kingdom.

Yusuf Ali thanked His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain for for this honour and attributed his success to the prudent leadership of Baharain for giving him all the support without which, he said that he 'wouldn't have made his achievements'.

Showing bold entrepreneurship to invest in the GCC at the time of the first Gulf War, Yusuf Ali became one of the prominent businessmen in the Gulf. Lulu group which runs a chain of hypermarkets across Gulf countries, Yemen and India, is also the Director Board Member of Abu Dhabi Chamber.

Also awarded India's top honour which includes Padma Shri, Pravasi Bhartiya Samman. He is the first NRI to get such award and was also topped in Forbes top 100 Indian leaders in the Arab World 2014.