Emirati Billionaire Resigns as DP World CEO After Epstein Revelations

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

Published on Feb. 14, 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 release of emails between him and 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 the Epstein files.

Why it matters

The resignation of a high-profile CEO over connections to the disgraced financier Epstein highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the scrutiny that business leaders face over their associations, even historical ones. It also raises questions about the corporate governance and oversight at DP World, one of the world's largest port operators.

The details

According to the Justice Department files, Bin Sulayem and Epstein maintained a free-flowing email exchange for years, discussing financial proposals and even making plans to visit Epstein's private island. In one exchange, Epstein asked Bin Sulayem about attending an event with the Clintons, suggesting they could 'go to my island after the forum.' Bin Sulayem also replied to Epstein's request about arranging a massage in New York.

  • Bin Sulayem resigned from his position as CEO of DP World on February 13, 2026, effective immediately.
  • The U.S. Justice Department released the Epstein files containing the communications between Bin Sulayem and Epstein earlier this week.

The players

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

The former CEO and Group Chairman of DP World, a global logistics and supply chain company. He resigned from his position following the disclosure of his communications with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier and convicted sex offender whose communications with various high-profile individuals have been the subject of intense scrutiny and controversy.

DP World

A global logistics and supply chain company headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, which operates ports, terminals, and related infrastructure around the world.

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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 (U.S. Justice Department files)

“My meetings are flexible and can be rearranged around your schedule.”

— Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem (U.S. Justice Department files)

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

— Jeffrey Epstein (U.S. Justice Department files)

What’s next

The U.S. Justice Department and other authorities are likely to continue investigating the connections between Bin Sulayem, DP World, and Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the broader implications for the company's corporate governance and oversight.

The takeaway

The resignation of a high-profile CEO over connections to the disgraced financier Epstein underscores the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the scrutiny that business leaders face over their associations, even historical ones. It also raises questions about the corporate governance and oversight at DP World, one of the world's largest port operators.