Bin Sulayem has been a prominent figure in Dubai’s business environment for decades, having helped establish the Dubai government’s first tax-free zone at Jebel Ali in 1985, property developer Nakheel and Istithmar investment holding company. Under his leadership, DP World, the world’s third biggest ports firm operates more than 65 terminals across six continents including new developments underway in India, Africa, Europe, South America and the Middle East. In the final quarter of 2013 the company opened the London Gateway Port, which is set to handle 3.5 million TeU a year.