Business life in Abu Dhabi is governed by federal and the Emirate wide laws. All business activities in the UAE must be conducted under licenses and permits. The main authorities responsible for licensing businesses in Al Gharbia include Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Economic Development, and the Federal Ministry of Economy and Trade, taking into account that licenses vary according to the type of business, although all are valid for one year, covering general trade, transport, industrial services and contracting.