Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, a visionary business leader from Dubai, has played a major role in transforming the city’s ports into global trade hubs. Despite being born into a powerful family, he chose not to rely solely on his background. Instead, he built his career through smart decisions, bold investments, and a deep understanding of international trade. His leadership at DP World helped shape Dubai’s identity as a key player in global logistics and infrastructure.
Source: Jafza
Quick Facts: Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem
| Born | 1955 in Dubai |
| Education | Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University Dubai |
| Current Role | Chairman and CEO of DP World |
| Known for | Key contributions to the Dubai Maritime sector |
| Companies Led | DMCC, Nakheel, and Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation |
Early Life and Education
Sultan Ahmed was born into one of Dubai’s most prominent business and political families, the Sulayem family. His father was a key advisor to Dubai’s ruling Maktoum family. At Temple University, Sultan Ahmed completed his graduation in economics. He also received an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University in Dubai in 2008.
From Customs Officer to JAFZA Chairman
After graduating in the late 1970s, Sultan Ahmed started working as a customs officer at Dubai’s port. Then, in 1985, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum appointed him as the chairman of the Jebel Ali Free Zone [JAFZA]. Under his guidance, the JAFZA grew from 19 companies in the mid-1980s to around 10,000 companies today.
Taking Charge of DP World
In 2007, Sultan Ahmed was made chairman of DP World. With his guidance, projects like Uptown Dubai and Jumeirah Lakes Towers have significantly contributed to the real estate development of the region. Thus, his vision for the UAE’s development and strategic investments has played a significant role in the growth of the UAE as a global trade hub and tourist destination.
In February 2016, he was appointed as Group Chairman and CEO of DP World. Under his guidance, with the acquisition of British port operator Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation for $6.8 billion, DP World became the world’s third-largest port operator with over 75 marine and inland terminals on six continents. Since then, DP World has always remained in the top three. In 2020, the acquisition of UNICO Logistics by DP World offered smarter and more robust integrated solutions for customers across industries.
In 2021, DP World expanded its offerings with the purchase of American global logistics provider Syncreon Holdings for $1.2 billion. Thus, under Sultan Ahmed’s leadership, strategic investments and acquisitions have benefited DP World in significantly improving its portfolio of services across the world. He has led DP World’s significant transformation from being a ports and terminals operator into an end-to-end supply chain solutions provider.
Sultan Ahmed’s Business Acumen
Sultan Ahmed also led the real estate and tourism property development firm, Nakheel, a subsidiary of DP World, which constructed man-made islands in Dubai. Under his expertise, iconic projects, including the Palm Jumeirah and other large-scale developments in Dubai, were established by the firm.
He has also shown his expertise in establishing and leading DP World’s subsidiary investment house, which focuses on private equity, Istithmar World. The firm’s portfolio included investments in diverse sectors such as retail, financial services, tourism, healthcare, and many more.
A significant growth of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre [DMCC] under Sultan’s leadership, from a small organisation to a major free zone with thousands of member companies, has contributed to the various sectors of the country.
Positions held by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem
- Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation [PCFC].
- Chairman of Dubai International Chamber
- Board Member of the Dubai Executive Council
- Board Member of the UAE Federal Tax Authority
- Board Member of the Dubai Free Zones Council
- Board Member of the Nakheel PJSC
Conclusion
Sultan Ahmed’s legacy goes beyond ports and real estate; it is the way Dubai thinks big and achieves it. Ports have turned into powerhouses, logistics have become an international industry, and mega buildings have defined the tourism landscape of the region under his leadership. His leadership demonstrates how, when imagination is combined with relentless will, the outcome is not merely growth but a total transformation.
