A specific legal framework has been sought to streamline the booming franchise market, worth $30 billion.

A Gulf News report, citing legal experts and company officials, said it was high time the franchises received the attention of the UAE's lawmakers.

They pointed out that the country's retail franchise industry did not have a detailed governmental regulation on the relationship of a local franchise company.

They cited the case of Emirates Fast Food Company and the foreign 'primary' brand it operates, such as McDonald's in this regard.

"The sector, which contributes heavily to the country's non-oil economy, is estimated to be worth $30 billion, and is growing at 27 per cent a year."

A legal expert said the sector was now loosely governed by a set of laws set up for other retail areas.

Many believe that when laws on property ownership, stock market trade and company formation have sprung up in the UAE in no time, this issue too should not take much time. TradeArabia News Service