Dubai, United Arab Emirates. DP World said on Friday that Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem resigned as chief executive and chair after his name appeared in U.S. Department of Justice documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters the decision followed scrutiny of his relationship with the late convicted sex offender.
Resignation announcement
DP World announced the resignation on Friday. The two sources said the decision to act was taken after Bin Sulayem’s name appeared in the Epstein files and as his relationship with Epstein faced increasing scrutiny.
Dubai’s ruler also issued a decree on Friday appointing a new chairman for Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, one of several roles held by Bin Sulayem.
Content of the correspondence
In correspondence cited in the files, Bin Sulayem discussed sexual relationships with women with whom Epstein helped him connect. In an email dated November 9, 2007, Bin Sulayem told Epstein he had met one such woman in New York, whom he did not name, and said he did not have sex with her.
“Yes after several attempts for several months we managed to meet in NY,” he wrote, adding that there was a misunderstanding because “she wanted some BUSINESS! while i only wanted some PUSSYNESS!”
Reuters review and responses
Reuters said it was able to independently review only some of the Epstein files relating to Bin Sulayem and was unable to ascertain what specifically led to his departure from DP World. The sources said, without providing further details, that it was related to the files.
Bin Sulayem did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on his departure. DP World declined to comment.
Additional descriptions and photo
In one email exchange, Epstein described Bin Sulayem as funny, trustworthy and a foodie. Epstein also wrote that Bin Sulayem, a Muslim, does not drink and prays five times a day.
An undated photograph that appears in an email and is publicly available shows Epstein cooking with Bin Sulayem and the two of them looking relaxed together. The full name of the person it was sent to by Epstein is not provided.
Bin Sulayem has not publicly commented on Epstein’s description or the emails about his relationship with him.
What impact do you think the disclosures in the Epstein files will have on business and political leaders in the region?
