DP World, the Dubai-owned global ports giant, saw its chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem resign “effective immediately” on February 13, 2026, amid backlash from newly released Epstein files revealing hundreds of emails between them from 2007-2017.
Relationship Details from Files
- Close Ties: Epstein called Sulayem a “most trusted friend” (2013 email). They shared travel plans, business ideas (e.g., Dubai “Islamic” digital currency), health advice, crude/sexist/racist jokes, and contacts.
- Women Discussions: Emails reference women/girls (e.g., rating “Moldavian” vs. “Ukrainian,” Sulayem’s “22-year-old Uzbek” girlfriend, Epstein’s “private masseuse” training in Turkey, boasts about Russian women).
- Introductions: Epstein linked Sulayem to figures like Ehud Barak, Steve Bannon, African presidents, Elon Musk (proposal inquiry), Prince Andrew, and Prince William (port tour, palace event).
- Political Lobbying: Epstein urged Lord Mandelson (UK Business Secretary, 2009) to “be nice to Sultan” for London Gateway port deal; helped draft letters. Sulayem sought Epstein’s advice on Trump inauguration invite.
- Post-Conviction: Contact continued after Epstein’s 2008 sex crime plea.
No evidence of Sulayem’s wrongdoing or Epstein accessing DP World ops; mentions alone aren’t guilt.
Backlash and Fallout
- Business Pressure: UK development finance agency and Canada’s La Caisse pension fund paused new investments.
- Charity Scrutiny: Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize (DP World-funded) reported to UK Charity Commission.
- US Criticism: Lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie called Sulayem one of “six powerful men” tied to Epstein; flagged redactions (e.g., 2009 “torture video” email to Sulayem).
- DP World named Essa Kazim (chairman) and Yuvraj Narayan (CEO); removed Sulayem’s photo from site.
This echoes broader Epstein ripple effects (e.g., Lifetouch boycotts). BBC analysis notes emails suggest informal influence peddling, but outcomes unclear.
For files, see US DOJ releases. How does this impact global trade views, or link to your interests in emerging tech regs?
