Retail Reimagined

Lulu chief unveils GCC’s AI-ready, people-first retail transformation at Gateway Gulf

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Lulu Group International Chairman and Managing Director M.A. Yusuff Ali said retail in the GCC is entering a new phase defined by technology, sustainability, and community confidence, as the region’s young and expanding population transforms how and where people shop.

Speaking at the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum in Manama, during a session titled ‘Retail Renaissance: The Future of GCC Shopping Destinations’, Mr. Yusuff Ali said the sector’s projected 4.6% annual growth will push its value to $390 billion by 2028, fuelled by rising township developments and a new generation of tech-savvy consumers.

“Each family is expanding into eight to ten families, so townships are extending,” he said. “Instead of people coming to us, we want to go to the people.”

Lulu, which opened its first outlet in Bahrain in 2007, now operates 16 stores across the Kingdom with plans to open more.

Digital shift

Mr. Yusuff Ali said technology was now central to the company’s growth model. “We are prepared to go for new innovation, digitalisation, and green energy,” he said, adding that Lulu had integrated artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced payment systems into its operations. “We have to go according to the new era, which is happening in the world.”

The Lulu chief noted that while adopting e-commerce and digital aggregation, the company is continuing to grow its hypermarket network to offer both physical and digital experiences.

“We have a very strong platform, with artificial intelligence. We’re on the right track. We’re moving towards e-commerce. We are also extending and increasing our hypermarkets division, which means retail is not shrinking,” he said, while explaining that new technology, new payment systems, and digitalization are being used to move in tune with the era of digitalization.

“We are extending our hypermarkets and carrying forward digitalisation and upgradation,” Mr. Yusuff Ali stated.

Healthy demand

Consumers’ health consciousness is also reshaping product lines.

“New innovations are happening in food - gluten-free, diabetic, diet, egg-free, sugar-free, etc.” Mr. Yusuff Ali said. “People want to see ingredients before choosing a product, whether online or offline. We must satisfy customers, especially the young generation.”

He added that food innovation begins with farmers adopting biotechnology and nanotechnology. “From farmers to processors to retailers, everyone must adapt,” he said. The Lulu chief said sustainability was now inseparable from business strategy.

“We are using green energy and waste management systems,” Mr. Yusuff Ali said. “There is pressure from customers, processors, and farmers, but food security is also very important.”

Confidence in Bahrain

Recalling the pandemic, Mr. Yusuff Ali said Bahrain’s leadership ensured there were “no shortages and no price rises” during COVID-19.

“This country, under the leadership of His Majesty and His Royal Highness, treated expatriates and locals alike,” Mr. Yusuff Ali said. “That far-sightedness gave confidence to businesses and consumers alike,” he revealed.

Lulu’s procurement network now spans 16 countries, including South Africa and Egypt, to maintain year-round food supply.

“When one country’s mango season ends, another begins,” Mr. Yusuff Ali said. “Our goal is to ensure 365 days of fresh produce for every shopper.”

He said the company’s vision aligns with the Gulf’s broader transformation agenda - a mix of AI, sustainability, and inclusivity driving resilient growth.