A significant shift has occurred in the leadership of DP World, a global ports and logistics company. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the long-serving CEO, has stepped down. This action follows the public disclosure of his name within the unredacted files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which contain records of extensive email exchanges between Bin Sulayem and Epstein.
The emergence of these documents has placed Bin Sulayem under intense scrutiny. While the reports do not accuse him of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein's crimes, the nature of the disclosed correspondence, which reportedly includes discussions about disturbing content, has led to considerable public and political pressure. His resignation comes after his name was repeatedly mentioned in the unsealed files and publicly identified by U.S. lawmakers.
Timeline of Events
The following timeline outlines the key developments leading to Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem's resignation:
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Prior to Recent Disclosures: Email exchanges between Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Jeffrey Epstein occurred over several years. These communications reportedly involved discussions of business dealings, social connections, and disturbing content.
Recent Unsealing of Epstein Files: Millions of pages of documents related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's criminal network were made accessible. This included previously redacted materials.
Lawmaker Identification: U.S. lawmakers, after reviewing the unredacted files, publicly identified Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem by name. His name reportedly appears over 5,000 times in the documents.
Media Reports: News outlets began publishing details of the correspondence between Bin Sulayem and Epstein, including references to a "torture video" and other explicit content.
Pressure Mounts: Public attention and pressure reportedly increased due to Bin Sulayem's alleged ties to Epstein.
Resignation: Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem resigned as CEO of DP World. This move is widely understood to be a consequence of the revelations from the Epstein files.
Nature of the Correspondence
The unredacted Epstein files reveal a substantial volume of communication between Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Jeffrey Epstein.
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Business and Networking: The exchanges suggest Epstein acted as a "superconnector" for Bin Sulayem, facilitating his business interests. Bin Sulayem reportedly used Epstein's network to advance DP World's agenda, including discussions concerning the development of the Port of Berbera in Somaliland.
Personal and Disturbing Content: Reports indicate that the correspondence included explicit references to sexual matters, links to fetish websites, and discussions about disturbing material, such as a "torture video." Epstein reportedly expressed enjoyment of such content in emails to Bin Sulayem.
Close Relationship: Epstein referred to Bin Sulayem as one of his most trusted friends, and the files contain images of them socializing, including instances of them cooking together. Epstein also hosted Bin Sulayem at his private island.
Brokered Meetings: Leaked emails also suggest Epstein brokered meetings between Bin Sulayem and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak prior to the Abraham Accords, indicating Epstein's role in facilitating high-level political and business connections.
No Criminal Accusations Against Bin Sulayem
It is crucial to note that, according to multiple reports, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing or convicted of any crimes in connection with Jeffrey Epstein's illegal activities. The unsealing of the files and the resulting public attention have led to his resignation, but not to any formal charges against him.
DP World's Position
DP World has not been accused of any criminal conduct related to Epstein's crimes. The company has been under mounting pressure following the revelations concerning its CEO. The statement from the company, while not naming Bin Sulayem, acknowledged his departure after nearly two decades at the helm.
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Public Identification and Scrutiny
The identification of Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem by name in relation to the Epstein files occurred after U.S. lawmakers gained access to the unredacted documents. Representatives such as Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie publicly named Bin Sulayem. This public naming has intensified scrutiny on the Emirati billionaire and his past associations. Lawmakers have expressed concern about previously unnecessary redactions in the Epstein files, arguing for greater transparency.
Expert Analysis
"Being named in these documents does not equate to guilt, but it reflects the pervasive nature of Epstein's network and the willingness of powerful individuals to engage with him."* — (Attributed generally to commentary surrounding the Epstein files, reflecting a common viewpoint in reporting.)
The exposure of Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem's name within the Epstein files underscores the intricate web of connections Jeffrey Epstein maintained with prominent figures in business and politics globally. Epstein's role as a "superconnector" appears to have facilitated access to influential networks, which individuals like Bin Sulayem, seeking to expand their business reach, reportedly utilized. The nature of the disclosed conversations raises questions about the judgment of those involved, regardless of direct criminal complicity. The situation highlights the challenges in discerning legitimate business interactions from compromised associations when dealing with individuals like Epstein.
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Conclusion and Implications
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem's resignation from DP World marks the end of a long tenure, prompted by the public disclosure of his communications with Jeffrey Epstein. While Bin Sulayem faces no criminal charges, the revelations have irrevocably linked him to the controversial financier.
The implications of this event are multifaceted:
Corporate Governance: DP World, a major global entity, will navigate a period of leadership transition. The association with the Epstein scandal, even without direct culpability, poses reputational challenges.
Transparency in Business Dealings: The case raises broader questions about due diligence and ethical considerations when engaging with individuals who have a history of illicit activities, particularly in international business.
Epstein's Network: The continued unearthing of names and connections from the Epstein files further illuminates the extent of his influence across various sectors and geographical regions. The alleged brokering of meetings between political figures and businessmen like Bin Sulayem indicates Epstein's significant, albeit illicit, role in shaping international relations.
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The ongoing examination of the Epstein documents promises to reveal more about the powerful individuals who were associated with him, and the consequences of such associations are likely to continue to unfold.
Sources
The Sun: Published 1 day ago. Details Bin Sulayem's resignation, mentioning his alleged ties to Epstein and the "torture video" email. Link: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/38216796/dubai-billionaire-epstein-fired-torture-video-email/
CNBC: Published 1 day ago. Focuses on Bin Sulayem's identification by lawmakers and his connections to Epstein, noting he has not been accused of wrongdoing. Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/epstein-files-sultan-ahmed-bin-sulayem-dp-world-email-dubai-uae-emirati.html
IBTimes: Published 8 hours ago. Reports on Bin Sulayem's resignation as CEO of DP World following revelations of disturbing email exchanges with Epstein. Link: https://www.ibtimes.com/emirati-billionaire-redacted-files-who-sent-epstein-torture-video-resigns-ceo-dp-world-3797392
ABC News: Published 2 days ago. Explores Bin Sulayem's role as CEO of DP World and his alleged conversations with Epstein, noting attempts to seek comment were unresponded to. Link: https://abcnews.com/US/us-inside-jeffrey-epsteins-alleged-conversations-emirati-billionaire/story?id=130083436
AOL: Published 3 days ago. Details Epstein telling Bin Sulayem he "loved the torture video" and shared sex messages, emphasizing Bin Sulayem has not been charged with a crime. Link: https://www.aol.co.uk/articles/epstein-told-emirati-billionaire-loved-151638013.html
WION: Published 3 days ago. Identifies Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, and discusses the nature of his relationship with Epstein, including business dealings. Link: https://www.wionews.com/photos/-i-loved-the-torture-video-who-is-the-dp-world-ceo-named-in-epstein-files-1770749888118
BritBrief: Published 3 days ago. Uncovers chilling correspondence between Epstein and Bin Sulayem, including discussions of sex and explicit content, while clarifying Bin Sulayem has not been accused of illegal activity. Link: https://britbrief.co.uk/crime/prosecution/epsteins-chilling-emails-with-emirati-billionaire-revealed.html
Middle East Eye: Published Jan 14, 2026. Reports that Epstein brokered meetings between Ehud Barak and UAE billionaire Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem before the Abraham Accords. Link: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/jeffrey-epstein-brokered-meetings-between-ehud-barak-and-uae-billionaire-abraham-accords
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