The Department of Economic Development in reference to its Cabinet Resolution No. (58) of 2020 regarding the regulation of the true beneficiary procedures has made the notification submission live.
What is the purpose of UBO?
The main purpose is to enhance transparency of entities registered in the UAE, as well as to develop effective and sustainable executive and regulatory mechanisms and procedures in respect of beneficial owner data.
Who is an Ultimate Business Owner of a company?
- Any natural person who ultimately owns or controls or has the right to vote over at least 25% of the company’s share capital, whether through a direct or indirect chain of ownership or control, or any natural person who has the right to appoint or dismiss most of the directors of the company.
- If no natural person meets the criteria under point (a) above or if there are doubts as to the identity of the beneficial owner, the beneficial owner shall be any natural person who manages or administers the company; or
If no natural person satisfies both conditions above, then a natural person who is responsible for the senior management of the company will be deemed as the UBO. Entities will need to assess who constitutes a UBO and consider whether anyone is a nominee Director / Manager. The Register of Shareholders / Partners is not a new concept as this is a requirement outlined in the UAE Commercial Companies Law, as well as in respective Free Zone Companies Regulations. Although the Resolution requires additional information to be detailed (for example, voting rights).
What are the Exceptions?
All companies in the UAE, both mainland and free zone companies (with the exception of companies incorporated in the free zones (financial) and companies owned by the Federal Government and their subsidiaries), must now maintain at their office premises:
a. A shareholder register;
b. A register of beneficial owners; and
c. A register of nominee directors.