DUBAI: The renowned Middlesex University conferred its honorary doctorate on leading businessman and philanthropist Yusuffali MA today. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan was the chief guest of the graduation event. While addressing the graduates and dignitaries, Sheikh Nahyan stressed the importance of education, which defines the character of an individual. Sheikh Nahyan further said that investing in education is investing in future that also shapes values of citizens. He said that Future of the world is depend on students and urged students to continuously learn which is a never ending process.
Shaikh Nayan also congratulated Yusuff Ali on receiving the honorary doctorate and said that “Yusuff Ali played an important role to strengthen India-UAE relationship and for setting benchmarks in entrepreneurial leadership. Shaikh Nahyan also praised the commitment of Yusuff Ali to fellow human being and described him as a persona with impressive record of achievement.”
More than 300 students were also awarded graduation degrees by Sheikh Nahyan. Also present on the occasion were Dr Tayeb Kamali, Director General of Education, UAE Ministry of Interior, Hamad Abdulla Al Shamsi, Chairman of Amanat Holding, Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Sedwin Fernadez and other dignitaries
A mentor to his sons-in-law
Yusuff Ali has turned to his sons-in-law to expand the group into newer areas. The eldest son-in-law, Shamsheer Vayalil, 41, runs VPS Healthcare, which operates 20 hospitals and over 125 medical centres, spread across the Middle East, Europe and India.
His second son-in-law, Adeeb Ahmed, 37 (who is married to Shafeena), is the head of the $5.4 billion Lulu Exchange, the financial services arm, Tablez, a brand retailing company, and Twenty14 Holdings, a company that has been expanding the group’s hospitality division. In 2015, Twenty14 Holdings acquired and leased Great Scotland Yard, a hotel and the former headquarters of the Scotland Yard in London.
Sharoon Shamsuddin, third son-in-law, is setting up the information technology and infrastructure business.
