From Qatar To UAE: Document Reveals Epstein's Bid To Build Powerful Ties Across Middle East

Last Updated:February 22, 2026, 12:31 IST

Epstein sought influence in Gulf states, connecting with Sheikh Jabor Yousuf Jassim Al Thani and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who resigned from DP World after DoJ files release.

Late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s efforts to build influential networks across the Middle East have been revealed in documents released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ), showing his attempts to use his wealth and connections to interact with key political and business figures.

Among his contacts were prominent individuals in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, according to a report in news agency Reuters.

Epstein sought to influence Qatar during its 2017-2021 blockade by neighboring countries. He communicated with Qatari businessman and ruling family member Sheikh Jabor Yousuf Jassim Al Thani, urging Qatar to ease tensions and to forge closer ties with Israel to align with the administration of Donald Trump, who was then in his first term as US president.

The disgraced financier suggested that Qatar either recognize Israel or contribute $1 billion to a terrorism victims’ fund. However, Qatar maintained its independent stance, and the blockade ended in 2021 with improved ties between Qatar and the US.

Epstein was also deeply involved in discussions about Saudi Aramco’s planned IPO. In one exchange dated September 10, 2016, with a person named Aziza Alahmadi, and with former Norwegian diplomat Terje Roed-Larson copied in, Epstein warned that Aramco going public could expose Saudi Arabia to lawsuits and asset seizures.

In another email dated October 16, 2017, and also sent to Alahmadi, Epstein advised an alternative plan to sell China a $100 billion stake, saying it would provide liquidity while limiting exposure to public markets, the Reuters report mentioned.

Additionally, the documents show Epstein’s communication with a member of the Mubarak family in Egypt, relating to post-revolutionary political challenges. Although Epstein’s involvement in the Mubarak family’s legal troubles remains unclear, his outreach extended to influential figures across the region.

DP World Chief Steps Down Over Epstein Ties

Further, the resignation of DP World chief Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem marks a significant Middle East fallout from newly released files by the DoJ, detailing Epstein’s global network. Bin Sulayem stepped down after his name appeared in the files, prompting scrutiny over past correspondence in which Epstein allegedly helped introduce him to women and described their interactions.

Although being named in the documents is not evidence of wrongdoing, the revelations raised concerns among some of DP World’s financial backers. DP World announced on Friday that Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem had resigned as chief executive and chair.

While it’s uncertain how much influence Epstein had in these high-stakes political matters, the documents underscore his efforts to embed himself within the region’s political and financial elite.

News world From Qatar To UAE: Document Reveals Epstein's Bid To Build Powerful Ties Across Middle East

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