UAE influencers defend Emiratis mentioned in Epstein files
Commentators and figures from the United Arab Emirates are coming to the defence of two state-linked Emirati figures mentioned in the Epstein files.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Hind al-Owais have faced scrutiny over email correspondence with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein released by the US Department of Justice in recent weeks.
Sulayem was on Friday replaced as the chairman and chief executive of DP World, the global UAE-owned logistics company, following days of criticism over his friendship with Epstein.
The 71-year-old had been chair of the company - which handles a tenth of the world’s container trade - since 2007, and chief executive since 2016.
Sulayem was born in Dubai to a well-connected family, with his father having served as an adviser to the city’s ruling Al Maktoum family. He frequently appears in international forums, often alongside UAE royalty.
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He is mentioned thousands of times in the Epstein files, with emails spanning from 2007 until weeks before Epstein’s death in August 2019.
The two men discussed business, politics, religion, and women and sex. The emails on the latter include the use of sexist and degrading language, as Middle East Eye reported earlier this week. There is no suggestion that Sulayem took part in criminal activity.
After his departure on Friday, senior Emirati figures took to social media to praise him.
“A million thanks to Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem; you have sufficed and fulfilled, and given the very best you have,” wrote Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a prominent academic seen as a voice representative of the UAE's ruling establishment.
“You have been, still are, and will remain a source of appreciation and respect from all. The time has come for the knight to hang up his spurs after a journey replete with successes and achievements,” Abdulla continued.
“We will always remember our dear brother Bu Ahmed with all affection and pride.”
Dhahi Khalfan, the deputy chief of police and public security in Dubai, also said that Sulayem had made "tremendous efforts".
"Every horse stumbles...the important thing is that our leadership realises the standards of governance and has taken [action that] is necessary," Khalfan wrote on X.
"Dismissals happen everywhere and this is expected by those who know when change should be made."
MEE asked DP World and Sulayem for comment on the links with Epstein, but did not receive a response.
Hind al-Owais mentioned in emails
Meanwhile, Emirati influencers posted videos in defence of Owais, a UAE official and former diplomat.
While it’s not entirely clear whether Owais still holds the role, she was previously the director of the UAE’s Permanent Committee for Human Rights as recently as 2024, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
She also held a prominent position in Expo 2020 in Dubai, and in 2015 became the first Emirati woman to be appointed to an international position at the UN’s headquarters, according to an interview with Owais in Khaleej Times.
Her name comes up hundreds of times in the Epstein files, which indicate that she met the sex offender.
In one set of emails from January 2012, Owais tells Epstein: “Are you in town?? My sister is here and I have told her so much about you.... I want her to meet you.... Let me know when!!!!! Kisses Hind.”
Epstein replies with a day of the week, to which Owais responds: “Hi already in discussions with [redacted] on time- I am so excited to see you and introduce you to my sister- she is even prettier than me!!!!!”
Hundreds of messages between Owais and Epstein took place after the latter’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
There is no suggestion that Owais participated in any criminal activity or wrongdoing.
Ahmed Sharif al-Ameri, an Emirati influencer and social media personality, posted a video defending Owais.
“At the time referenced, she was 27 years old, an adult, a professional, operating in New York in an investment environment where introductions, correspondence, and meetings are routine,” he said.
“Professional contact is not criminal participation. A meeting request is not endorsement. A business exchange is not knowledge of someone's private life.”
With regards to the comment about Owais’ sister being “prettier than me”, Ameri said that it had been taken out of context.
“Anyone who has operated an international business… should understand that light remarks are often used to break the ice,” he said.
Another UAE influencer account, @sultanwho, posted a three-and-a-half-minute video in Arabic attempting to dispel online misinformation about Owais’ interactions with Epstein.
The video said that Owais’ words were taken out of context and “electronic trolls” posted false information, including about the age of Owais’ sister.
MEE has asked the UAE foreign ministry for comment.
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