Emirati Billionaire Resigns as DP World CEO After Epstein Revelations

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem steps down following disclosure of communications with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The billionaire CEO of global logistics giant DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, has resigned from his position following the disclosure of his communications with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes after financial groups in Canada and the U.K. announced a pause in their investments with DP World in the wake of the U.S. Justice Department's release of Epstein files.

Why it matters

The resignation of a high-profile CEO like Bin Sulayem highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, which has ensnared numerous prominent figures. The revelations about Bin Sulayem's communications with Epstein have raised concerns about the company's leadership and governance, potentially impacting DP World's business relationships and operations.

The details

According to the DOJ files, Bin Sulayem and Epstein maintained a free-flowing email exchange that covered everything from financial proposals to rating sexual conquests. In one exchange, Epstein invited Bin Sulayem to visit his private island after a Clinton Forum event, while in another, Epstein asked Bin Sulayem about arranging a massage in New York.

  • On February 13, 2026, DP World announced Bin Sulayem's resignation, effective immediately.
  • Earlier this week, financial groups in Canada and the U.K. announced a pause in their investments with DP World following the release of the Epstein files.

The players

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

The former Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, a global logistics and supply chain company.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late sex offender whose communications with Bin Sulayem were disclosed in the DOJ files.

DP World

A global logistics and supply chain company headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.

Ro Khanna

A Democratic U.S. Representative who has criticized the DOJ and Trump administration for a lack of transparency in the Epstein files saga.

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What they’re saying

“Are you going to the Clinton Forum? I see that the Secretary General is scheduled to attend. If so, we can go to my island after the forum. Call me so we can discuss the details.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (DOJ files)

“what time you would like your massage today in new york.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (DOJ files)

“where are you? are you ok, I loved the torture video.”

— Jeffrey Epstein (DOJ files)

What’s next

The U.S. Justice Department and other authorities are expected to continue investigating the connections between Bin Sulayem, Epstein, and other prominent figures mentioned in the released files.

The takeaway

The resignation of DP World's CEO over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein underscores the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the heightened scrutiny facing business leaders and their associations with disgraced figures. This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in corporate leadership.