Sipu Jha
Newly released records from the US Department of Justice have placed Emirati diplomat Hind Al-Owais in the spotlight after her name appeared in 469 emails linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The emails, dating back to 2011 and 2012, were made public as part of a broader document release connected to the late financier’s case.Al-Owais, who serves as director of the UAE’s Permanent Committee for Human Rights, has not been charged with any wrongdoing. The disclosure has sparked international attention, raising questions about her past correspondence and diplomatic role.
Hind Al-Owais: A UAE diplomat and advocate
Hind Al-Owais is a prominent Emirati diplomat widely known for her work on human rights and women’s empowerment. She has held high-profile roles including Director of the UAE Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR) and has served in leadership positions representing the United Arab Emirates at the United Nations.Al-Owais rose through diplomatic ranks over decades, gaining recognition in international circles. Her public speeches often focused on gender equality and global human development, promoting the UAE’s stance on women’s participation and rights.She has also been described as one of the first Emirati women to serve in a senior advisory role at the UN headquarters in New York, where she worked on integrating gender perspectives into global policy agendas.
Emails with Jeffrey Epstein
In early 2026 the US Department of Justice released a massive set of previously sealed documents known as the “Epstein Files” under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. These files include millions of pages of emails, calendars, and other records connected to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender and financier.Among these newly public records, Hind Al-Owais’s name appears in approximately 469 email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2012.The content of these messages ranges from logistical coordination and scheduling meetings to references about arranging social encounters. In one January 2012 email, Al-Owais wrote to Epstein: “Getting one girl ready is difficult enough; two girls, you can certainly call a challenge.”In other emails, she appeared to discuss introducing her younger sister to Epstein, once writing: “I am so excited to see you and introduce you to my sister, she is even prettier than me.”These exchanges have drawn global attention because Epstein’s crimes included convictions related to minors and federal sex-trafficking charges before his death.
No criminal charges
It’s crucial to emphasise that the released documents do not accuse Al-Owais of criminal wrongdoing. United States authorities haven’t charged her based on these email records, and there’s no verified evidence showing that Epstein influenced her diplomatic career or that she was involved in his illegal activities.Officials familiar with the release have noted that the files contain “raw and unverified” material, and naming in the documents does not equate to allegations of crimes. Civil liberties groups have also warned that caution is needed when interpreting large, unfiltered data dumps.Nevertheless, the juxtaposition of Al-Owais’s advocacy for women’s rights with her appearance in these emails has sparked intense online debate and speculation. Some social media posts claimed that her messages referenced her sister, with some accounts even mentioning a “13-year-old sister”, though such age details have not been independently verified by mainstream reporting.No official public statement has been issued by Al-Owais or UAE authorities addressing the matter, and she remains listed in her current role.
What happens next?
At this stage, Al-Owais has not been publicly charged or formally investigated in relation to the emails. The broader Epstein Files continue to be analysed by journalists, researchers, and human rights groups around the world. Some observers warn that raw government releases can fuel misleading interpretations, while others argue that open records help the public understand the reach of powerful networks.As calls for transparency grow, the situation remains fluid, and it’s possible that more documents or official statements could emerge in the coming months.
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