Dubai-based global ports operator DP World Limited has announced the immediate resignation of its Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, following the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicating his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to WorldCargo News, bin Sulayem was named on February 10, 2026, among six individuals whose identities were disclosed after Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Thomas Massie successfully pushed the DOJ to reverse earlier redactions in email correspondence linked to Epstein.
Bin Sulayem had served as DP World’s chairman since 2007 and assumed the role of group CEO in 2016. The company confirmed that His Excellency Essa Kazim has been appointed chairman, while Yuvraj Narayan will take over as group CEO.
Investors Suspend Engagement
The developments have triggered immediate responses from key institutional investors.
Canada’s Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) has paused further investments in DP World. CDPQ, which holds stakes in DP World’s terminal assets in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, and Jebel Ali Port, stated that it will halt additional capital deployment until the company provides further clarification and undertakes what it described as “necessary actions.”
Similarly, UK-based development finance institution British International Investment has suspended new investments with DP World. The organisation maintains minority stakes in DP World terminals and projects across Africa, including the Port of Banana, Dakar (Senegal), Sokhna (Egypt), and Berbera (Somaliland).
DP World has not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the nature of the disclosed correspondence but said leadership changes were made in the company’s best interests.
The situation marks a significant governance development for one of the world’s largest port operators, with potential implications for its global investment partnerships and ongoing infrastructure projects.
