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The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has activated an offer granting free Canva Business subscriptions to its members as part of a partnership with the global design platform that was first unveiled earlier this year. Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals will receive a full year of access to advanced tools for producing social media graphics, presentations, websites and videos along with AI features that streamline content creation. The chamber’s announcement carried by the Emirates News Agency highlighted how the initiative removes the need for specialist design skills while supporting team collaboration through Brand Kits. Each participating company can extend the subscription to as many as 50 employees.
According to the chamber’s criteria, companies must hold membership with Dubai Chambers, employ no more than 500 people and maintain no current or prior paid Canva subscription to qualify for the complimentary access. Firms operating under Dubai-issued trade licenses are set to become eligible in the coming period once additional implementation steps conclude. The offer is delivered via the Business in Dubai platform, which serves as a central hub for such business support services.
The latest rollout builds directly on an agreement signed in February during the World Governments Summit 2026 under which Canva committed to establishing its regional headquarters in Dubai. That pact, formalised by Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Cliff Obrecht, Co-Founder and COO of Canva, occurred 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 the chamber. The five-year collaboration targets support for 250,000 digital SMEs and individuals in line with UAE strategies for digital transformation and artificial intelligence adoption.
Canva data shows more than 54 million designs were created in the UAE throughout 2025 while one in eight internet users in the country already engage with the platform. The company maintains a global user base exceeding 260 million across more than 190 countries and has facilitated the production of over 40 billion designs worldwide. These usage patterns underscore the platform’s established traction in the region ahead of the expanded free-access programme.
A statement from the chamber noted that the partnership will enable newly established SMEs to leverage innovative digital design and visual communication packages. The tools are positioned to help businesses strengthen their online presence, accelerate marketing efforts and drive innovation without heavy reliance on external creative agencies. Such capabilities align with broader ambitions to position Dubai as a leading hub for technology firms and creative industries.
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama stated, “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. We are committed to providing high-quality platforms and tools that enable companies to grow and expand in Dubai, particularly in creative sectors.” The minister’s remarks, originally delivered at the February signing, continue to frame the current offer as officials move to operationalise the agreement.
