Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Partners With Canva to Set Up Regional HQ
Agreement signed at WGS 2026 aims to support 250,000 SMEs and individuals over five years
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Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has signed an agreement with design platform Canva to establish the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai. The agreement was signed during the World Governments Summit 2026 and aims to support 250,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals working in the digital sector over the next five years. The partnership aligns with the UAE’s national priorities around digital transformation and AI.
The signing took place in the presence of Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The agreement was signed by Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Cliff Obrecht, Canva’s co-founder and chief operating officer.
Under the agreement, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will support the establishment and expansion of Canva’s regional headquarters in Dubai, enabling the company to scale its operations across the Middle East and beyond. The move reflects Dubai’s broader strategy to build an integrated digital ecosystem while attracting leading global technology firms.
As part of the partnership, Canva will provide newly established SMEs in Dubai and across the UAE with access to tailored service packages through its design and visual communication platform. These offerings, set to launch later this year, will include advanced tools for design, productivity, and innovation, helping businesses strengthen their digital presence, streamline content creation, and develop ideas without requiring specialist design expertise.
Canva currently serves enterprises, small businesses, students, and individual users in more than 190 countries. Valued at approximately $42 billion, the platform has over 260 million monthly active users and has facilitated the creation of more than 40 billion designs worldwide. In the UAE alone, more than 54 million designs were created on Canva in 2025, with one in eight internet users in the country already using the platform.
Commenting on the agreement, Al Olama said “Dubai is continuing to strengthen its position as a global hub for leading technology and digital innovation companies, supported by a flexible, business-friendly environment and advanced infrastructure that keeps pace with the rapid evolution of the digital economy.” He added, “We are committed to providing high-quality platforms and tools that enable companies to grow and expand in Dubai, particularly in creative sectors powered by artificial intelligence and advanced solutions. The agreement with Canva is designed to enhance the capabilities of SMEs and support their growth and development within Dubai’s advanced digital ecosystem.”
Founded in 2013, Canva has played a significant role in reshaping visual communication by making design tools accessible to individuals and teams worldwide.
