Compliance · Defined Term
UBO — Ultimate Beneficial Owner.
The natural person(s) who ultimately own or control a legal entity — directly or indirectly. Under UAE UBO Regulations (currently Cabinet Resolution No. 109 of 2023, which replaced Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020) every UAE company must maintain and declare its UBO register.
Who qualifies as UBO
- Natural person owning ≥25% of share capital, directly or indirectly.
- Natural person controlling ≥25% of voting rights.
- Natural person otherwise exercising effective control (e.g. through other means like contractual arrangements).
- If no such person exists, the senior managing official.
Filing
- Initial declaration: within 60 days of incorporation.
- Updates: within 15 days of any change.
- Annual confirmation: typically by 30 June each year (UAE regulator-dependent).
Confidentiality
UAE UBO register is held by the regulator (not public). Access is given to UAE authorities, foreign regulators under exchange agreements, and AML-regulated entities (banks, CSPs) for KYC.