The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has recently partnered with Canva, a leading global visual communication platform, to establish its regional headquarters in Dubai. This collaboration aims to support 250,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals in the digital realm over the next five years, furthering the UAE’s objectives for digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

Strengthening the Digital Ecosystem

The formal agreement was signed during the World Government Summit 2026 in Dubai, in the presence of H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The signing included Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Cliff Obrecht, Co-Founder and COO of Canva. This significant partnership aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to enhance its digital ecosystem.

In 2025, Canva saw over 54 million designs created in the UAE, demonstrating the platform’s popularity, with 1 in 8 internet users actively using its services. Cliff Obrecht remarked, “Dubai is a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation. Our partnership aims to empower small businesses and creators by providing access to our full suite of products, allowing them to bring their ideas to fruition. We are thrilled to be part of Dubai’s ambitious journey.”

Empowering SMEs with Innovative Tools

The agreement outlines that Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will facilitate Canva’s operational expansion in the region. This involves enabling newly established SMEs in Dubai and the UAE to leverage various service packages offered by Canva for digital design and visual communication. The forthcoming launch will provide advanced tools tailored for design, productivity, and innovation, which are essential for enhancing digital presence and developing creative content without requiring specialized design expertise.

Canva’s user-friendly platform serves a global audience of over 260 million monthly users, catering to the design needs of businesses, consumers, and students across more than 190 countries. With a market valuation of about $42 billion and over 40 billion designs created, Canva continues to influence the landscape of visual communication since its inception in 2013.

Dubai’s Commitment to Digital Transformation

H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama noted that Dubai is solidifying its status as a global hub for technology and digital innovation. The emirate is bolstered by a flexible, business-friendly environment and advanced infrastructure ready to adapt to the fast-paced digital economy’s evolution. The partnership with Canva aims to enhance SME capabilities and enable their growth within Dubai’s dynamic digital framework.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate the digital environment and support the emirate’s ambitions outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). This collaboration not only promotes the growth of the digital economy but also reinforces Dubai’s standing as a beacon of digital transformation and innovation on the world stage.

In summary, the alliance between Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Canva marks a pivotal step in fostering creativity and innovation among SMEs, heralding a new era of digital empowerment in the UAE. This initiative showcases Dubai’s commitment to building a robust digital ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of its businesses and residents.