Lulu Chairman M.A. Yusuf Ali hosts Guyana President
Doha: Guyana’s 60th Independence Day was celebrated at Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Sidra Mall, with Lulu Group Chairman and Managing Director M.A. Yusuf Ali hosting Guyana President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at a special ceremony. Organised by the Embassy of Guyana in Qatar under the theme ‘Building Guyana Global Brand’, the event brought together senior Qatari officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Guyanese community.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali expressed his appreciation for Lulu Group’s efforts to introduce Guyanese products to international markets through its extensive global retail and sourcing network. He commended the group’s contribution to expanding the international reach and acceptance of products from Guyana and strengthening trade relations. He also invited Yusuf Ali to explore investment opportunities in Guyana, particularly by leveraging Lulu Group’s expertise in retail, food sourcing and distribution.

Lulu Group Chairman M.A. Yusuf Ali extended his greetings to the Government and people of Guyana on the country’s Independence Day and praised President Irfaan Ali’s leadership and development vision. He highlighted Guyana’s progress in areas including digital education, infrastructure development and artificial intelligence. Yusuf Ali also assured the group’s continued support for strengthening international trade, economic cooperation and partnerships, while promoting Guyanese products in global markets.

The ceremony was attended by Saleh Majid Al Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Qatar; Jassim bin Mohammed Hassan Al Asmakh, Director of the American Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Safraaz Ahmed Shadood, Ambassador of Guyana to Qatar; and Dr. Mohammed Altaf, Director of Lulu Group. Diplomatic representatives, government officials, industry leaders and members of the Guyanese diaspora in Qatar also participated in the celebration. Ambassador Safraaz Ahmed Shadood welcomed the guests and highlighted Guyana’s journey through six decades of independence, as well as its growing opportunities and potential on the global stage.

As part of the celebrations, Lulu Hypermarket launched products from the Guyanese brand ‘Umami’ in the presence of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali. Chris Persaud, CEO of Umami Incorporated, spoke about the significance of building a strong global brand for Guyana and creating greater international awareness and market opportunities for its products.

The event at Lulu Hypermarket provided a platform to showcase Guyana’s development achievements, cultural heritage and economic potential to an international audience. Through its global sourcing network, Lulu Group continues to connect producers and consumers across markets, supporting greater international access for products from countries such as Guyana.