Sultan bin Sulayem is a name closely tied to Dubai’s meteoric rise as a global logistics and trade hub. As Chairman of DP World and founder of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), he has played a transformative role in reshaping global shipping, trade, and economic free zones.
His forward-thinking strategies have connected Dubai to more than 150 ports around the world and helped attract thousands of businesses to set up in the emirate.
DP World is now one of the world’s largest port operators. But this success didn’t happen overnight.
Under Sultan bin Sulayem’s guidance, DP World evolved from a local port authority into a global logistics titan. Jebel Ali Port, which he helped develop early in his career, is now the largest man-made port in the world and a vital artery for global commerce.
Today, DP World operates terminals on six continents and has expanded into freight forwarding, maritime services, and smart trade solutions.
What’s the secret behind this rapid rise?
It’s a mix of bold vision, tech innovation, and relentless focus on efficiency—traits Sulayem brings to every boardroom he enters.
In 2002, Sultan bin Sulayem founded DMCC, Dubai’s flagship free zone for commodities trade and enterprise.
At the time, there was little infrastructure to support commodity trading in the region. Sulayem envisioned a world-class zone that would rival the likes of Singapore and London—and he delivered.
DMCC is now home to over 24,000 registered companies and has been named the world’s number one free zone multiple times. It supports trade in gold, diamonds, tea, coffee, crypto, and more.
Its centerpiece, Almas Tower, stands tall as a symbol of the UAE’s trade ambitions.
What makes Sultan bin Sulayem stand out among global leaders is his adaptability. He has consistently pushed for automation, digitization, and sustainable logistics.
From launching DP World Cargospeed—a high-speed transport system in partnership with Virgin Hyperloop—to championing green port solutions, his leadership has kept the UAE at the cutting edge of smart trade.
He believes that the future of logistics lies in technology and sustainability, not just scale.
Sulayem is frequently invited to speak at international economic forums. He’s respected not only for his business acumen but also for his role in diversifying the UAE’s economy beyond oil.
He has held key positions in Nakheel, Istithmar World, and Dubai World, and continues to advise on national economic strategy.
Despite his global outlook, Sultan bin Sulayem stays deeply connected to his Emirati roots—supporting local talent, sustainability initiatives, and youth programs.
Sultan bin Sulayem isn’t just steering ships—he’s steering economies.
From DP World’s global expansion to the success of DMCC, his work proves that trade isn’t just about goods—it’s about vision, infrastructure, and people.
His legacy reminds us that true leadership combines global ambition with national service—and the best is likely yet to come.
Who is Sultan bin Sulayem?
He is an Emirati businessman, Chairman of DP World, and the founder of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
What is DP World known for?
DP World is one of the largest port operators globally, managing over 80 terminals across six continents.
When was DMCC founded and why?
DMCC was launched in 2002 to support global commodities trading and now hosts over 24,000 companies.
What innovations has Sultan bin Sulayem led?
He pioneered projects like DP World Cargospeed and has pushed for digitization, AI in logistics, and green port operations.
How has Sultan bin Sulayem impacted the UAE?
He has contributed significantly to Dubai’s position as a global logistics and trade hub while promoting economic diversification.
