Dubai's DP World replaces chairman amid scrutiny over Epstein ties

The head of one of the world’s largest port operators has been replaced following revelations of ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who had led the Dubai-based DP World for decades, is facing intense scrutiny after the release of Epstein-related documents that revealed correspondence between the two men, including lewd exchanges.

Without naming bin Sulayem, Dubai’s Government Media Office announced that DP World had appointed a new chairman and group CEO, positions previously held by bin Sulayem. DP World confirmed the new appointments to CNN.

The company declined to comment on bin Sulayem’s relationship with Epstein when contacted by CNN before his removal.

The Epstein Files

The Epstein files are a massive collection of documents, images, videos, travel logs, emails, court records and other materials connected to criminal investigations into the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted child sex offender and was accused of running a sex-trafficking network involving underage girls.

The files stem from multiple federal and civil cases against Epstein and his close associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

In late 2025 and early 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice began releasing millions of these records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law requiring the public disclosure of unclassified material related to Epstein’s case.

The released material includes court documents, victim statements, flight logs, contact lists, photos and videos — although much of it has been heavily redacted to protect victims’ privacy and comply with legal restrictions.

The “Epstein files” do not constitute a single definitive list of criminals; being named in the files does not prove guilt. Many entries reflect social contacts or mentions rather than evidence of wrongdoing.

Investigations are ongoing, and public interest remains high because the files reveal networks, connections, and unanswered questions about how Epstein operated and who he knew.

The release has generated widespread discussion, political debate, and controversy globally as people examine what the documents show and what information remains sealed or redacted.