
Canon celebrates partner excellence at SI-VAR UAE Gala awards ceremony
The event highlighted Canon's commitment to its partner ecosystem, highlighting new program elements, including a revised rebate structure, enhanced partner engagement activities, and expanded service enablement opportunities. A special focus was placed on the growing SME/SMB in-country business segment, reinforcing the abundant opportunities within the UAE market supported by various government initiatives designed to promote growth in this vital business sector.
Binoj Nair, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Middle East & Türkiye, said, "We are immensely proud of our longstanding relationships with our partners across the region. They are a critical extension of the Canon family, helping us reach our customers and consistently delivering excellent service. This is why this annual celebration is important not just to recognize achievement but also strengthen our collaborative vision for the future. Meanwhile, our SI-VAR program continues to evolve, providing partners with the tools, resources, and product portfolio they need to succeed. Together, we're building a robust partner ecosystem that drives mutual growth and delivers exceptional value to customers across the UAE market.'
The SI-VAR program consolidates Canon's entire product range under one roof, positioning the company as the ultimate one-stop shop for all printing and scanning needs. This comprehensive approach allows partners to represent Canon as ONE-PRINT, offering a complete lineup that serves everyone from small office/home office environments to large enterprise organizations.
Canon's extensive product portfolio spans all segments, including A4 laser (i-Sensys), business inkjet (Maxify), A3 laser (Office/Workspace), large format printers, very light production (VLP) machines, document scanning solutions, and much more.
During the gala, Canon recognized four new Platinum Tier partners: Astro Era General Trading and Oasis Mountain Trading, both excelling in B2C and B2B product ranges; BlueBell Computers, consistently exceeding targets with a strong B2B focus; and Compu Super Store, demonstrating remarkable consistency in the B2C segment. Meanwhile, HBC Printer Supplies, Printone DMCC, and Proton Electronics Trading joined the Gold Tier status based on their exceptional performance and commitment to excellence.
In a special acknowledgment, Fanar Solutions earned the MPS Partner of the Year award for securing the Deal of the Year, recognized for being the highest-value deal of 2024 and the unwavering dedication behind this remarkable achievement.
"These awards represent the excellence within our partner network, recognizing those who have truly excelled in delivering Canon's innovative print solutions to customers across the UAE. The Platinum and Gold tier achievers, along with our special MPS Partner of the Year award, blend sales performance with exceptional service quality and technical expertise that set them apart. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we also celebrate the strength of our collective commitment to excellence in the printing industry," added Shadi Bakhour, B2B Business Unit Director at Canon Middle East.
The SI-VAR Gala Awards Event underscores Canon's ongoing commitment to strengthening its position as a leading technology provider while supporting the country's dynamic business landscape and digital transformation journey.
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Middle East
Mai Youssef
e. mai.youssef@canon-me.com
Burson
e. Canon.mena@bcw-global.com
About Canon Middle East
Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East based in Dubai, UAE.
Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80-year history with its commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities. From cameras to commercial printers, and business consultancy to healthcare technologies, Canon enriches lives and businesses through imaging innovation. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei – 'living and working together for the common good'. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services.
Canon invests heavily in R&D, delivering the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers' creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realize their own passion for image. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at www.canon-me.com
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
APO Group Wins Gold at 2025 SABRE Awards for Canon Central and North Africa Campaign, Secures Five Finalist Placements
APO Group ( the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has been recognised with top honours at the prestigious 2025 SABRE Awards Africa, winning gold for its pioneering World Unseen Experience at GITEX Africa campaign with Canon Central and North Africa. The campaign showcased Canon's innovative efforts to make photography accessible to people with visual impairments through tactile imagery, transforming the way art and visual storytelling are experienced. APO Group was also shortlisted as a finalist in five other categories, reinforcing its position as the communications partner of choice for some of the continent's most impactful and purpose-led organisations. The finalist placements include campaigns for: GITEX Africa 2024, Africa's largest tech and startup show; Africa's Business Heroes 2023, a flagship philanthropic programme in Africa to support entrepreneurs; The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI); and Canon Central and North Africa's 10 Years of Miraisha: A Decade of Empowerment campaign 'We are incredibly proud to see the impact of our clients' campaigns being recognised at such a high level. Winning gold for Canon's World Unseen is particularly meaningful as it demonstrates how communications can drive accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, our finalist placements across such diverse categories reflect the strength, creativity, and dedication of our team, and our commitment to sharing Africa's positive narratives,' said Bas Wijne, Chief Executive Officer at APO Group. The SABRE Awards are globally recognised for celebrating superior achievement in branding, reputation, and engagement. The World Unseen campaign's success at the SABRE Awards Africa 2025 follows its earlier win this year at the 2025 Davos Communications Awards, where APO Group secured gold and bronze for its innovative approach to inclusive brand experiences. Read more about the Davos wins here ( 'These accolades are a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in everything we do. It is an honour to partner with clients who trust us to tell Africa's most compelling stories with authenticity, impact, and purpose,' added Rania El-Rafie, APO Group's Vice President: Public Relations&Strategic Communications. This latest industry recognition further cements APO Group's position as the continent's only 360-degree public relations and strategic communications consultancy, with its own proprietary press release distribution service, Africa Newsroom ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact: marie@ About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.


ME Construction
09-07-2025
- ME Construction
Stake your claim to women's leadership!
Industry News Stake your claim to women's leadership! By This year's event combines the Summit and Awards in a single day We are delighted to announce the latest edition of the Women in Construction/ED&I Summit & Awards, taking place in Dubai on 1 October 2025. This year's event combines the Summit and Awards in a single day, creating a powerful, comprehensive forum that is both a tribute to progressive gender reforms and a celebration of the companies and personalities delivering lasting change. It's a flagship occasion for everyone committed to gender equality and reform in the construction sector. This year's summit focuses on three key themes discussing – and aimed to empower – gender equality: Aligning businesses with the existing legislation regarding women at work and giving a practical toolkit whereby employees can effectively lobby for change Women's inclusiveness in company team-building activities; the critical role of women in client liaison and project delivery Women in leadership: how to ensure that gender representation doesn't falter at the crucial stages of promotion and seniority The Women in Construction/ED&I Awards – now comprises 20 categories! In 2025, the Women in Construction/ED&I Awards have expanded substantially, and feature 20 categories highly relevant to the GCC's construction narratives. Spanning key issues rooted in the quest for women's workplace equality – as well as a raft of crucial ED&I agendas – they ensure that there's a relevant category for every niche and style of business. The awards feature categories for both individuals and organisations; they benchmark every style of activism, from women's team-building initiatives, women's representation on the C-Suite, and a commitment to ease of access for people of determination. Nominations for the Awards can be made via the event website:

Zawya
08-07-2025
- Zawya
Canon Academy Collaborates with Kwetu Film Institute in Rwanda to Expand its Educational Footprint in Africa with First-Ever Creative Workshops
Canon Academy offers a comprehensive educational program featuring hands-on workshops covering a wide range of photography topics. To date, we have successfully trained 103 students through this initiative. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice, where expert trainers instill confidence and passion while covering essential topics like exposure triangle, composition, lighting, focus, and more. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) ( a leader in imaging technology, has officially launched the Canon Academy in Rwanda in collaboration with Kwetu Film Institute, marking the company's first educational programme in the country. This strategic milestone reinforces Canon's long-standing commitment to investing in Africa's creative talent through education, empowerment, and the promotion of inclusive opportunities for emerging image-makers. Canon Academy is a key component of the company's broader efforts to advance the creative sector across the continent. Aligned with Canon's Kyosei philosophy, "Living and Working Together for the Common Good,' the programme aims to equip aspiring and professional photographers in Rwanda with high-quality training, and relevant industry knowledge. Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, said, "The launch of the Canon Academy in Rwanda is a proud moment for us. This initiative reflects Canon's belief in the power of education and the role of creativity role in building resilient communities. By investing in Rwanda's young talent, we are building a bridge between imagination and opportunity, staying true to our Kyosei philosophy and our broader mission to uplift Africa's creative economy." Canon Academy is dedicated to Canon users, offering hands-on experiences across a wide array of topics. Workshops are led by certified Canon trainers, ensuring that participants benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. The programme caters to different skill levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace. A WEEK OF LEARNING AND CREATIVITY The inaugural Canon Academy programme, held last week in Kigali, brought together a diverse group of Rwandan participants ranging from students and beginners to semi-professionals and established photographers. Over the course of the week, participants took part in hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and practical exercises led by Canon-certified trainer Fred Ochieng. Key focus areas included lighting, composition, visual storytelling, and portfolio development. These were tailored to equip participants with the technical and creative skills essential for success in Rwanda's evolving visual storytelling landscape. In addition to skill-building, the programme offered a platform for participants to showcase their work and build meaningful connections within the creative community. About Kwetu Film Institute Based in Kigali, Kwetu Film Institute is one of East Africa's premier creative hubs, committed to developing the next generation of storytellers through film and media. Founded by celebrated filmmaker Eric Kabera, the institute serves as a training ground and incubator for aspiring filmmakers, offering a blend of theoretical education and practical production experience. Kwetu is renowned for nurturing homegrown talent and using storytelling as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, dialogue, and social change. Eric Kabera, Founder of Kwetu Film Institute, commented: 'Our collaboration with Canon is a natural extension of our mission to empower creatives through access to quality education and global partnerships. Together, we are planting seeds that will grow Rwanda's next generation of image-makers and storytellers, enabling them to compete and thrive on the global stage.' With the establishment of this programme, Canon is further solidifying its commitment to inclusive development through localised engagement and hands-on skills training. The initiative is designed to build skills and strengthen the wider creative infrastructure within the region. By empowering young people with practical tools, industry insights, and educational opportunities, Canon is helping to transform creative potential into viable professions, ultimately contributing to the growth and diversification of the country's creative economy. Canon continues to prioritise the growth of Africa's next generation of storytellers by developing platforms that harness the power of technology, education, and collaboration. The establishment of the Canon Academy in Rwanda reflects this ongoing commitment, one that extends beyond imaging innovation to champion people, purpose, and advancement across the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA). Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa Mai Youssef e. APO Group - PR Agency Rania ElRafie e. About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) ( is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei ( – 'living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information: (