The resignation of the CEO of Dubai Ports World Group (DP World), Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, to date, constitutes the largest repercussions related to the Jeffrey Epstein case in the Middle East. The documents announced revealed the existence of regular correspondence between Ben Sulayem and Epstein, who was convicted of sexual violations, from 2009 to 2018, during which they exchanged messages about personal matters, meetings, introductions, and job opportunities.

Published on: 02/18/2026 - 11:43 Last updated: 02/18/2026 - 14:58

The resignation of the CEO of the giant Dubai Ports World Group (DP World) represents the largest repercussions in the Middle East from documents revealed by the US Department of Justice that show that Jeffrey Epstein, the late businessman convicted of sexual abuse, tried to build a powerful network that includes political figures and business leaders across the region.

DB World announced on Friday that Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem had resigned from the positions of CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said that the decision to resign came after his name appeared in Epstein’s files, and with increasing scrutiny of his relationship with him.

In their correspondence, Ben Sulayem discussed sexual relations with women with whom Epstein had helped him communicate. In an email dated November 9, 2007, Bin Sulayem tells him that he met one of them in New York, but he did not mention her name, and said that he did not have sex with her.

Read also: Epstein scandal: Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was dismissed from the presidency of Dubai Ports after his name appeared in the file

“Yes, after several attempts over several months, we were able to meet in New York,” he wrote, adding that there was a misunderstanding because “she wanted to do some work! While I just wanted some fun!”

On Friday, the Ruler of Dubai also issued a decree appointing a new head of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, which is one of the many positions held by Bin Sulayem.

Reuters was only able to independently review some of Epstein's files related to Bin Sulayem, and was unable to confirm the specific reason for his resignation from DB World, but the two sources said, without going into details, that the matter was related to the files.

For his part, Bin Sulayem did not respond to Reuters’ requests to comment on his resignation. DB World also declined to comment.

A picture of them cooking together

In one email exchange, Epstein describes Ben Sulayem as fun, trustworthy, who enjoys food and cooking, and also adds that he does not drink alcohol and adheres to the five daily prayers.

In an undated photo that appeared in an email and is publicly available, Epstein is seen cooking with Ben Sulayem and the two appear relaxed and at ease. The full name of the person to whom Epstein sent this letter and the photo was not revealed.

Bin Sulayem did not make a public comment on the descriptions that Epstein made of him, nor the emails about his relationship with him.

The appearance of the name in Epstein's files is not evidence of any criminal activity. But after members of the US Congress said that Bin Sulayem’s name appeared in the files published by the US Department of Justice, questions directed to him were renewed from some of DB World’s financial supporters regarding their previous dealings.

Bin Sulayem did not respond publicly to these questions and concerns.

Last week, the British Development Finance Corporation (British International Investment - BII), the second largest pension fund, announced

In Canada, all new investments with DB World were suspended due to what was said about Ben Sulayem’s connections with Epstein.

A BIA spokesman said, “We are shocked by what was said to be contained in Epstein’s files regarding Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem,” without indicating which of the allegations he meant.

The spokesman continued, saying, "In light of these allegations, we will not make new investments with DB World until the necessary measures are taken by the company."

The Canadian Pension Fund (La Case) said in a statement that it would “stop injecting any additional capital into the company” until DB World provides clarification of the situation and until “necessary measures” are taken.

In a statement issued after the change of leadership of DB World on Friday, BI World welcomed the decision, and a spokesman for the organization said, “We look forward to continuing our partnership to advance the development of key African commercial ports to unleash the continent’s global commercial potential.”

“The company has taken appropriate measures,” La Case Fund said of the move, adding that it “will move quickly to work with D’s new leadership.” “B World will continue to partner in port projects around the world.” Bin Sulayem has not yet responded to a request from Reuters seeking comment on the position of the two institutions. DB World declined to comment.

France 24/Reuters

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