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Dubai has appointed a new chairman for DP World, one of the world’s largest maritime logistics companies, replacing Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem whose name appeared in recently released Jeffrey Epstein documents. The Dubai Media Office announced that Essa Kazim will take the helm as chairman while Yuvraj Narayan has been named group CEO.
The leadership change comes amid growing scrutiny following the revelation of bin Sulayem’s communications with Epstein. Financial institutions in Canada and the United Kingdom have already suspended future ventures with DP World after emails detailing a years-long friendship between bin Sulayem and the disgraced financier surfaced.
DP World, a global logistics powerhouse that operates Dubai’s Jebel Ali port and numerous terminals worldwide, has long been considered a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy. The company has established itself as one of the Middle East’s most successful international business operations, with a presence across six continents and more than 70 countries.
The emails between bin Sulayem and Epstein, recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice, contain references to pornography, sexual massages, and escort services. In one 2013 exchange, Epstein described bin Sulayem as “one of my most trusted friends in every sense of the word,” to which bin Sulayem responded with a comment about sampling “a fresh 100% female Russian” on his yacht.
Other communications show bin Sulayem sending Epstein a menu for massage services with sexual offerings in 2013, a link to a pornographic website in 2015, and Epstein reciprocating by sharing an escort website link with bin Sulayem in 2017.
While the documents do not implicate bin Sulayem in Epstein’s alleged crimes, the nature of their correspondence has prompted swift action from business partners and, ultimately, Dubai’s leadership. Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Bin Sulayem’s influence in Dubai extended far beyond DP World. He previously served as chairman of the Dubai World conglomerate, which once included property developer Nakheel. Under his oversight, Nakheel created Dubai’s iconic palm-shaped artificial islands and a map of the world archipelago—projects that helped cement the city-state’s reputation as a global luxury destination.
In addition to the DP World leadership change, Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has appointed a new head for the city’s Ports Customs and Free Zone Corporation, another position previously held by bin Sulayem. These swift leadership changes highlight the emirate’s sensitivity to reputational damage in the international business community.
The communications between Epstein and bin Sulayem covered a wide range of topics beyond sexual content, including discussions about former U.S. President Donald Trump and theological matters. In one exchange, bin Sulayem inquired about an event where Trump would potentially be present, while in another from 2018, Epstein mentioned Steve Bannon, telling bin Sulayem “you will like him.”
DP World has not responded to requests for comment on the leadership change or the revelations regarding bin Sulayem’s communications with Epstein.
The Epstein documents are being reviewed by journalists from multiple news organizations including the Associated Press, CBS, NBC, MS NOW, and CNBC in a collaborative effort to examine the extensive files released by the Justice Department.
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15 Comments
The replacement of DP World’s chairman is a prudent move, but the company will need to do more to address the reputational issues stemming from the Epstein connections. Thorough internal reviews, policy reforms, and transparent communication will be essential to restoring public trust.
This news raises concerns about the ethics and governance practices at DP World. The company should conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the former chairman’s relationship with Epstein and take decisive action to address any issues uncovered. Transparency will be crucial to maintaining confidence.
Absolutely. DP World needs to be proactive in addressing this situation and demonstrating a commitment to ethical business practices.
The replacement of DP World’s chairman is an understandable move given the serious allegations surrounding his relationship with Epstein. However, the company will need to go further to address the reputational damage and ensure that its governance and ethics policies are robust and effective.
This is a significant development for DP World, a major player in the global logistics industry. The company will need to be extremely diligent in investigating the former chairman’s ties to Epstein and take decisive action to uphold its ethical standards. Transparency and accountability will be crucial.
Absolutely. DP World’s response to this situation will be closely watched, and they must demonstrate a strong commitment to corporate responsibility.
This is certainly an unsettling development for DP World. The alleged links between the former chairman and Jeffrey Epstein raise serious concerns about the company’s governance and ethics. It will be important for DP World to thoroughly investigate this matter and take appropriate actions to restore public trust.
I agree. DP World needs to be fully transparent about this situation and demonstrate that they are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility.
The replacement of the DP World chairman is an understandable move given the damaging revelations about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. As a major global logistics company, DP World will need to carefully rebuild its reputation and reassure stakeholders that it operates with integrity.
This is a concerning situation for DP World, a major player in the global logistics industry. The company will need to be transparent about its investigation into the former chairman’s ties to Epstein and take decisive action to uphold its ethical standards. Careful oversight and accountability will be crucial going forward.
I agree. DP World should leave no stone unturned in their investigation and be proactive in demonstrating their commitment to corporate integrity.
The leadership changes at DP World are a necessary first step, but the company will need to go further to address the reputational damage from these Epstein-related revelations. A thorough, independent investigation and robust reforms to governance and ethics policies will be essential.
The leadership changes at DP World are a necessary step, but the company will need to go further to address the reputational damage from these revelations. Robust internal controls and a strong ethical culture will be essential to rebuilding trust with partners and the public.
This is a complex and concerning situation for DP World. The company must conduct a rigorous, transparent investigation into the former chairman’s ties to Epstein and take decisive action to uphold its ethical standards. Rebuilding trust with stakeholders and the public will be crucial.
I agree. DP World needs to be proactive in demonstrating its commitment to corporate integrity and responsible business practices.