In a seismic leadership shakeup, Dubai-based global logistics giant DP World has abruptly terminated Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem from his dual roles as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The decision follows intense international scrutiny over his extensive professional and personal connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The company announced on Friday that Essa Kazim would assume the chairman position while Yuvraj Narayan takes over as CEO. The corporate statement made no reference to Sulayem’s future within the organization, leaving his potential transition to another role uncertain.
This executive overhaul comes amid mounting pressure from major financial partners. Quebec’s La Caisse pension fund, which holds a substantial 45% stake in DP World Canada, publicly declared it would suspend future investments until the company implemented ‘necessary actions.’ Simultaneously, British International Investment (BIO), the UK’s development finance agency, similarly halted future capital commitments due to the Epstein associations.
Recently disclosed correspondence from the US Department of Justice reveals a disturbing pattern of communication between Sulayem and Epstein spanning from 2007 until weeks before Epstein’s 2019 prison death. The emails demonstrate Sulayem’s visits to Epstein’s private Caribbean island, with the Emirati executive writing in June 2013: ‘I really had a very nice time at your island.’
Beyond social connections, the correspondence reveals substantive business collaborations. Epstein facilitated introductions between Sulayem and influential figures including former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, right-wing strategist Steve Bannon, and former British lawmaker Peter Mandelson. Notably, Epstein assisted Sulayem in lobbying Mandelson regarding a £1.8 billion port development project on the River Thames, which DP World ultimately secured and currently operates as London Gateway.
Perhaps most damaging are the emails’ personal content, which include lewd jokes, discussions about women in degrading terms, and exchanges about escort services. In one particularly troubling message reported by Bloomberg, Sulayem wrote about his efforts to meet a supermodel: ‘After several attempts for several months we managed to meet in NY. there is a misunderstanding she wanted some BUSINESS! while i only wanted some PUSSYNESS!’ Epstein responded: ‘Praise Allah, there are still people like you.’
The 71-year-old Sulayem, born into a well-connected Dubai family with ties to the ruling Al Maktoum dynasty, had led DP World since 2007 as chairman and assumed the CEO role in 2016. Under his leadership, the company grew to handle approximately 10% of global container trade and contributes significantly to Dubai’s economy, accounting for over 36% of its GDP.
Despite the extensive email evidence showing a decade-long relationship, there remains no suggestion that Sulayem participated in any criminal activities. DP World and Sulayem did not respond to requests for comment regarding the Epstein connections as the corporate leadership transition unfolds.