In a surprise leadership overhaul, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, long the face of Dubai’s global trade empire, has been removed from his positions as Group Chairman and CEO of DP World — and divested of his chairmanship of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

The Dubai-based logistics giant DP World confirmed that Bin Sulayem has resigned “effective immediately”.

This followed after intense pressure over his alleged ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a Reuters report said.

The company’s board appointed Essa Kazim, the former governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre, as Chairman, and elevated long-time DP World executive Yuvraj Narayan to the role of Group CEO. 

Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation

Separately, in an extraordinary decree underscoring the scale of the reshuffle, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a formal order appointing Abdulla bin Damithan as the new Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, a role bin Sulayem also previously held. 

This marks a complete divestment of Bin Sulayem’s influence over the emirate’s critical port and free zone infrastructure — a cornerstone of Dubai’s economic strategy. 

Bin Sulayem, one of the Middle East’s most high-profile executives and a key architect of Dubai’s transformation into a global logistics hub, has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. 

Abdulla bin Damithan has extensive professional experience in ports, logistics, and trade. He oversees DP World’s operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, including ports, economic zones, marine services, and trade solutions.

Damithan previously served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DP World UAE and led the company’s strategies in key regional markets, with a focus on developing trade infrastructure and enhancing supply chain efficiency and sustainability.

In the UAE, he oversees Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), supporting the emirate’s integrated trade and logistics ecosystem and strengthening its role in connecting global markets.

Damithan joined DP World in 2001 and has held several senior leadership positions during a professional career spanning more than two decades, contributing to the company’s development as a global provider of smart trade and logistics solutions.