Dubai's DP World replaces chairman over alleged Epstein ties

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Dubai’s DP World replaces chairman over alleged Epstein ties

February 14, 2026

DUBAI,— Dubai has appointed a new chairman for DP World, the global logistics company that operates the Jebel Ali port and terminals in other countries.

The change replaces the outgoing chairman whose name appeared in newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents.

The Dubai Media Office announced the appointments but did not name the previous chairman, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. It said Essa Kazim is now the chairman of DP World and Yuvraj Narayan has been named group CEO, positions previously held by bin Sulayem.

DP World is a key part of Dubai’s economy, running one of the busiest ports in the Middle East and managing international operations that support global trade.

The leadership changes follow reports from financial institutions in Canada and the United Kingdom, which said they would pause future deals with DP World.

This comes after emails surfaced showing a long-standing friendship between bin Sulayem and Epstein, the U.S. financier charged with sex trafficking.

The emails, included in a set of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, contain references to pornography, sexual massages, and escorts.

Authorities noted that bin Sulayem does not appear to have been implicated in Epstein’s alleged crimes. DP World did not respond to requests for comment.

An undated photo shows Jeffrey Epstein with Dubai’s DP World Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. Photo: House Oversight Committee/via AP

Bin Sulayem previously led Dubai World, a conglomerate that at the time included the property developer Nakheel.

Nakheel is known for creating Dubai’s artificial islands shaped like palm trees and a world map, projects that helped establish the city as a global destination.

The state-run WAM news agency reported that Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also appointed a new head for the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, a position formerly held by bin Sulayem.

Emails between Epstein and bin Sulayem cover a variety of topics, including President Donald Trump, theology, and sexual matters. Many contain typographical errors.

In a 2013 email, Epstein told bin Sulayem that he was “one of my most trusted friends in every sense of the word” and that he had “never let me down.” Bin Sulayem responded, mentioning he was “sampling a fresh 100% female Russian at my yacht.”

That year, bin Sulayem also sent Epstein a menu for a massage service that included sexual offerings. In 2015, he sent a link to a pornography website, and in 2017 Epstein shared a link to an escort website.

In 2018, Epstein emailed bin Sulayem about Steve Bannon, saying, “you will like him,” and bin Sulayem asked Epstein about an event where it appeared Trump would attend.