Epstein Scandals: Dubai Ports Dismisses Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Appoints a New Successor and CEO

SadaNews - The Dubai-based global port operator DP World announced on Friday the dismissal of its Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, following mounting pressure regarding his connections with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sultan Bin Sulayem, one of the leading figures in business in the Middle East, is among the top executives scrutinized and dismissed in the wake of recent revelations about the Epstein scandals.

On Friday, the ruler of Dubai also issued a decree appointing a new chairman for the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, a position previously held by Sultan Bin Sulayem.

Members of the U.S. Congress stated that Bin Sulayem's name appeared in documents, renewing scrutiny over the nature of his previous communications with Epstein, who was convicted of sexual crimes before his death. Epstein referred to Bin Sulayem as one of his "most trusted" friends, according to documents recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, which mention the Emirati over 9,400 times.

The two maintained regular correspondence from 2009 to 2018, exchanging messages about personal matters, meetings, introductions, and job opportunities. Epstein had presented the wealthy businessman as a close associate of Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The correspondence indicates that Bin Sulayem visited Epstein in the U.S. multiple times, including at his island.

Increasing Pressure

Pressure on the Emirati logistics company has intensified after two institutions, British International Investment (BII) and Canada's second-largest pension fund, announced this week that they were suspending all new investments with DP World due to alleged ties of Sultan Bin Sulayem with Epstein.

The British institution welcomed the decision on Friday and expressed its hopes to continue the "partnership to enhance the development of major African trade ports."

The Canadian fund stated in a release that "the company has taken appropriate measures," adding that "it will work swiftly with the new leadership of DP World to continue the partnership in port projects worldwide."

The Dubai Government Media Office had earlier announced the appointment of Issa Kazim as the Chairman of the ports and the appointment of Uvraj Narayan as the CEO of the group.

Kazim currently serves as the governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre, while Narayan, who joined DP World in 2004, has held several leadership positions in the company, including the role of Executive Vice President most recently.

Global Implications of the Epstein Scandals

Sultan Bin Sulayem's dismissal comes amid the dismissal and resignation of prominent figures in business and politics from high positions worldwide as the ramifications of the Epstein scandals widen.

According to the Financial Times on Thursday, Cathy Romer, an advisor at Goldman Sachs, stated she would resign this summer for similar reasons, while at least three members of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office resigned after the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States resulted in a crisis.

The Epstein scandals, among the millions of files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, indicate a close relationship with Sultan Bin Sulayem for over a decade following Epstein's 2008 conviction on charges related to prostitution and exploiting a minor.

The documents include emails and text messages that seem to show discussions between Epstein and Sultan Bin Sulayem regarding business and sexual activities, as well as plans to visit Epstein's island in the Caribbean.

The documents highlight Epstein's network of relationships with prominent figures in politics, finance, academia, and business.

In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in New York, where he was held on charges related to sex trafficking. The incident was ruled a suicide by hanging.

A Prominent Figure in Dubai

Sultan Bin Sulayem, a prominent figure in Dubai and the Middle East in general, is one of the key personalities who contributed to transforming the emirate into a business and tourism hub in the region.

Among his projects is the establishment of Nakheel, a real estate development company that created the famous palm-shaped islands in Dubai, alongside his contribution to founding the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.

Sultan Bin Sulayem is a regular speaker at the World Economic Forum and other global business events, and he specifically oversaw DP World's transformation into one of the largest port and logistics operators in the world.

The company claims to handle about 10% of global container traffic, with operations extending to countries such as Canada, Peru, India, and Angola.

DP World also sponsors a leading professional golf tournament in Europe and has been a logistics partner for the McLaren Formula 1 racing team since 2023.