Canva Sets Up Regional HQ in Dubai
For many small businesses, design and digital presence are no longer “nice to have” — they’re essential. From social media posts and pitch decks to websites and marketing material, visual communication plays a big role in how SMEs grow today. That’s where a new partnership in Dubai could make a practical difference.
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has signed an agreement with global visual communication platform Canva to establish the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai and support around 250,000 SMEs and individuals in the digital sector over the next five years.
The agreement was signed during the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai. It aligns with the UAE’s wider push for digital transformation and artificial intelligence across businesses and government services.
The signing took place in the presence of H.E. 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, Co-Founder and COO of Canva.
What This Means for SMEs in the UAE
Under the partnership, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will support Canva in setting up its regional headquarters in Dubai. This allows Canva to expand its operations locally and across the region, while strengthening Dubai’s position as a base for technology and digital businesses.
More importantly for entrepreneurs and small companies, newly established SMEs in Dubai and the UAE will be able to access Canva’s service packages through its design and visual communication platform. These offerings, set to launch this year, are aimed at helping businesses create content, improve productivity, and build their digital presence without needing advanced design skills.
For many founders, marketing and branding are often time-consuming and expensive. Tools that simplify design, presentations, social content, and even websites can help SMEs focus more on running and growing their business instead of outsourcing every creative task.
Why Dubai Matters in Canva’s Expansion
Dubai has positioned itself as a regional hub for digital companies, with infrastructure and regulations designed to attract global tech players. By setting up its regional headquarters here, Canva will work more closely with businesses, creators, and enterprises across the Middle East and surrounding markets.
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama said Dubai continues to strengthen its role as a global destination for technology and digital innovation, supported by a business-friendly environment and infrastructure that evolves with the digital economy. He added that partnerships like this are meant to improve the capabilities of SMEs and support their growth within Dubai’s digital ecosystem.
From Canva’s side, Cliff Obrecht shared that Dubai is home to millions of people building businesses and creating at scale. Establishing a base in the city allows Canva to engage more directly with SMEs and creators across the region and give them access to tools that support everyday business needs.
Canva’s Growing Presence in the UAE
Canva was launched in 2013 with the idea of making design accessible to everyone, not just professionals. Today, the platform is used by enterprises, small businesses, students, and individuals in more than 190 countries.
The company is valued at around US$42 billion, with over 260 million monthly users and more than 40 billion designs created on the platform.
In the UAE alone, more than 54 million designs were created on Canva in 2025, and about one in eight internet users in the country already uses the platform. These numbers show how design tools are becoming part of everyday business operations, especially for SMEs that rely heavily on digital communication.
Supporting Dubai’s Digital Economy Goals
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy plays a role in building the emirate’s digital ecosystem and supporting Dubai’s Economic Agenda, which aims to position the city among the world’s leading digital economies.
This partnership with Canva adds another layer to that goal by focusing on practical tools SMEs can use daily — from marketing visuals and presentations to internal documents and online branding.
For small businesses, the takeaway is simple: as Dubai attracts more digital platforms and services, access to affordable, easy-to-use tools becomes part of the business environment. And in a market where visibility and communication matter, that support can make everyday operations smoother and more efficient.
