Business & Money • Logistics

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem is an Emirati businessman known for his long leadership of DP World, a global ports and logistics company.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem is an Emirati businessman known for his long leadership of DP World, a global ports and logistics company. Born in 1955, he also served as chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation. In February 2026, he resigned from his DP World executive roles after public disclosure of email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein.

Early life and background

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was born in 1955 and is described in sources as an Emirati businessman from Dubai. Some biographical profiles also note academic and civic roles, including a BSc in Economics from Temple University and memberships on public boards.

Career at DP World

He led DP World for many years as chairman and CEO, helping expand it from a Dubai-based port operator into a global supply-chain company. Sources credit him with a major role in the growth of Jebel Ali and Dubai's wider trade infrastructure.

Public scrutiny and resignation

In early 2026, documents released from the Jeffrey Epstein files linked bin Sulayem to extensive email correspondence with Epstein. Following the disclosures, he resigned from his executive positions at DP World on 13 February 2026.

Business influence in the UAE

Profiles of bin Sulayem describe him as a prominent figure in Dubai's economic development and logistics sector. He has also been associated with broader public and private sector roles in the UAE.

Key facts

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem is an Emirati businessman born in 1955.
He was chairman and CEO of DP World, a global ports and logistics company.
He also chaired the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation until February 2026.
He resigned from DP World on 13 February 2026 after email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein were disclosed.
He is considered an influential figure in Dubai's trade and infrastructure development.

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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know DP World as a major global ports and logistics company with international shipping links that can affect trade routes and supply chains relevant to Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem?

He is an Emirati businessman best known for leading DP World and serving as chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation.

What company was he associated with?

He was the chairman and CEO of DP World, a global ports and logistics company.

When was he born?

He was born in 1955.

Did he resign from DP World?

Yes. He resigned from his DP World executive roles on 13 February 2026.

Why did he resign?

Sources say the resignation followed public disclosure of email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein.

What is his connection to Dubai's economy?

Sources credit him with helping develop Dubai's ports, free zones, and logistics infrastructure.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Ahmed_bin_Sulayem
Supports: Birth year, nationality, DP World leadership, resignation, and previous role at Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation.
UN Global Compact — https://gabi.unglobalcompact.org/person/he-sultan-ahmed-bin-sulayem
Supports: Role at DP World, leadership history, and claims about Dubai and UAE trade/logistics development.
The Edge Malaysia — https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/810826
Supports: Reported resignation from DP World and subsequent leadership changes.
World Government Summit — https://www.worldgovernmentssummit.org/media-hub/speakers/detail/9f2661bc-b892-4ae4-a938-81142a6be75fhe-sultan-ahmad-bin-sulayem
Supports: Birth in Dubai, DP World presidency, and background details.
Concordia Summit — https://www.concordia.net/community/sultan-ahmed-bin-sulayem/
Supports: BSc in Economics from Temple University and public roles.