Dubai has secured Canva's regional headquarters, marking a significant win for the emirate's fast-growing digital economy and reinforcing its position as a global hub for creative technology and innovation.
Partnership Signed at World Governments Summit 2026
The move follows a new partnership agreement between Canva and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, signed during the World Governments Summit 2026. The agreement was formalised by Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Cliff Obrecht, Co-Founder and COO of Canva, 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 collaboration aims to support more than 250,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and digital sector professionals across the UAE over the next five years.
What the Canva Dubai Deal Means for UAE Businesses
Under the agreement, the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will support the establishment and expansion of Canva's regional operations in the emirate. In turn, Canva will provide newly established SMEs in Dubai and across the UAE with access to its advanced digital design, content creation, and productivity tools.
The initiative is designed to help businesses enhance their digital presence, streamline marketing and communications, and innovate without the need for specialised design expertise — lowering barriers for startups and entrepreneurs operating in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
"Dubai is home to millions of people building and creating at scale," said Cliff Obrecht, Co-Founder and COO of Canva.
Canva's Strong Foothold in the UAE
Canva currently serves users in more than 190 countries and is valued at approximately $42 billion, with over 260 million monthly active users globally. The platform has already demonstrated strong traction in the UAE: more than 54 million designs were created on Canva in 2025 alone, with one in eight internet users in the country already using the service.
The partnership aligns closely with the UAE's national priorities around digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and future-ready economic growth, while supporting Dubai's ambition to build a fully integrated digital ecosystem.
Strengthening Dubai's Tech Ecosystem
The agreement further strengthens Dubai's appeal as a destination of choice for leading global technology companies. It highlights the emirate's ongoing efforts to attract innovation-driven businesses that contribute to long-term economic diversification — a core pillar of the UAE's broader vision for sustainable development.
