DP World boss Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem steps down after Jeffrey Epstein links revealed
Chairman of DP World, the title sponsor of the European Tour, has resigned following mounting pressure over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The title sponsor of the European Tour has been thrust into controversy after Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has stepped down as chair and chief executive of DP World following mounting pressure over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
DP World became the title partner of the European Tour ahead of the 2022 season, with the rebrand to the DP World Tour officially announced in November 2021.
DP World's relationship with the European Tour dates as far back as 2009 through its sponsorship of the DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai.
Bin Sulayem, who had led Dubai’s biggest port operator as chairman since 2007 and had served as chief executive since 2016, was instrumental in securing a DP World naming rights deal of the European Tour.
He had also been a regular presence at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, handing over over silverware to the likes of Rory McIlroy.
Bin Sulayem's DP World resignation follows the release of more than three million additional emails and documents by the US Department of Justice relating to Epstein.
Among them were messages between Epstein and bin Sulayem discussing sexual experiences and arrangements connected to Epstein’s “private spa”, including assistance organising training for a “masseuse”.
US Congressman Thomas Massie alleged this week that bin Sulayem sent Epstein a torture video, while Epstein described him as a “close personal friend”.
Their relationship reportedly continued long after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.
Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown claims to be aware of two alleged survivors who claim they were trafficked by Epstein to “this Sultan.” Brown adds that the individuals have not gone public, citing fear as the reason.
The Chairman of DP World, the European Tour’s title sponsor, has left his role at the firm.
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 13, 2026
Rep Thomas Massie revealed earlier this week that Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem sent a torture video to Jeffrey Epstein who also called Sultan a “close personal friend”.
Sultan Ahmed Bin… https://t.co/VLjP6QdSId pic.twitter.com/ILdax0K3ri
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem has been closely involved in DP World’s European Tour sponsorship, with then-CEO George O’Grady praising his “personal vision” when the partnership was extended in 2015.
— Ways To Golf (@WaysToGolf) February 10, 2026
Since then, Bin Sulayem has frequently appeared at DP World Tour Championship trophy… pic.twitter.com/wp5Mr27LIf
Bin Sulayem is one of the most senior international executives to step aside since the latest tranche of Epstein documents have been published in 2026.
A filing to Nasdaq Dubai, where DP World has its bonds listed, confirmed Sulayem stepped down with immediate effect.
In a statement that did not reference bin Sulayem directly, the Dubai government confirmed that Essa Kazim has been appointed chair of DP World’s board, with Yuvraj Narayan named chief executive.
The move came after two major international partners — Canada’s La Caisse and the UK’s British International Investment (BII) — announced they would pause future deals with DP World if bin Sulayem remained at the helm.
BII has since confirmed they welcome today’s decision by DP World and look forward to resuming their partnership.
The allegations and evidence involving DP World Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the key figure behind the European Tour’s title sponsorship, keep getting more disturbing.
— Ways To Golf (@WaysToGolf) February 11, 2026
Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown wrote on X:
“I know of two survivors who say they were… pic.twitter.com/w8vdnbgZmY
Bin Sulayem had been one of Dubai’s most senior business figures, credited with transforming DP World from a local port operator into one of the world’s largest logistics groups, with assets across Europe, Canada, Asia and Latin America.
DP World has invested heavily in global sport, including golf, cricket and F1, with its most visible role being title sponsorship of the DP World Tour.
Bin Sulayem's exit from DP World marks a significant development not only for one of Dubai’s flagship state-backed enterprises, but also for one of professional golf’s most prominent commercial partnerships.
The DP World Tour has declined any comment to GolfMagic.
Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
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