H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Former Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, DP World

H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem is a preeminent figure in Dubai’s business landscape and a global authority on maritime services, international trade, and infrastructure development. Best known for his transformative leadership as the Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, he has spent decades spearheading the UAE’s trajectory as a premier global logistics hub.

Professional Legacy & DP World Leadership
Under his visionary guidance, DP World evolved from a local port operator into a global logistics powerhouse. Headquartered in Dubai, the firm now dominates the maritime industry, specializing in:
Integrated Logistics: End-to-end supply chain solutions.
Port Terminal Operations: Managing high-capacity maritime gateways globally.
Free Trade Zones: Developing economic ecosystems like Jafza.
Freight Technology: Pioneering the future of cargo movement.
In early 2026, His Excellency concluded a landmark tenure as Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, leaving behind a legacy of unprecedented fiscal and operational growth.

Key Strategic Milestones
Throughout his career, Mr. bin Sulayem executed high-stakes financial and strategic maneuvers that reshaped the industry:
Capital Raising: Oversaw a $3.25 billion bond sale (Islamic and conventional) to refinance debt and fuel international expansion.
Strategic Acquisitions: Orchestrated the £322 million repurchase of P&O Ferries, reintegrating a vital asset into the Dubai World portfolio.
Infrastructure Growth: Spearheaded the rapid expansion of Dubai’s ports and free zones, which remain the backbone of the UAE’s non-oil economy.

Economic Impact & Recognition
A primary architect of Dubai’s infrastructure, H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s influence extends beyond logistics into tourism and urban development. His leadership has been a cornerstone of the UAE's "stellar growth trajectory."
Net Worth: Recognized by Forbes Middle East with an estimated net worth of $7.5 billion (as of 2023).
Industry Influence: A frequent contributor to global economic forums, offering insights on the future of global trade and institutional capacity building.