A bold name, clean rules and a narrow right column for skills and education.
Two columns, narrow right column · Plus Jakarta SansDubai and UAE CV format
CVs for jobs in Dubai and the wider UAE often include details that would be left out in the UK or US, such as a photo, nationality and visa status. Start from a template below and the editor uses Gulf settings: A4 paper with the photo turned on, which you can switch off.
At a glance
- Usually called
- CV
- Length
- Two pages is common
- Paper
- A4
- Photo
- Common, a professional headshot
- Personal details
- Nationality and visa status are often included
- Also common
- Languages, notice period and driving licence
Common practice, not fixed rules. Employers differ, so follow the job ad when it asks for something specific.
Sections to include, in order
- Contact details. Name, UAE phone number if you have one, email and city.
- Personal details. Nationality, visa status and notice period, if you choose to add them.
- Professional summary. A few lines on your experience, sector and the role you want.
- Work experience. Most recent first, with employer, country, dates and results.
- Education and certifications. Degrees and professional certificates, with the country where you earned them.
- Languages and skills. English and Arabic levels if you have them, plus tools from the job ad.
Tips
- Use a recent, neutral headshot if you add a photo.
- State your visa status clearly: on a residence visa, visit visa or needing sponsorship.
- Show regional experience in the Gulf if you have it.
- Many recruiters receive CVs by email, so keep the PDF text-based and name the file with your name.
Templates that suit this format
Use template starts with Gulf & Middle East settings: A4 paper and the photo turned on. You can change them in the editor at any time.
A dark sidebar with your photo and contact details, and a timeline for your experience.
Two columns, dark sidebar with photo · ManropeA color banner with a round photo and a tinted column for skills and languages.
Color banner with photo, tinted right column · OutfitContemporary sans-serif type, a restrained accent color and headings in a slim left column.
One column, headings in a left column · IBM Plex SansA conservative single column in serif type. One reading order with standard section headings.
One column · Source Serif 4The plainest possible structure: bold name, one contact line, ruled section headings.
One column · IBM Plex SansQuestions
Do I need a photo on a Dubai CV?
It is common but not always required. Many applicants add one; follow the job ad if it says otherwise.
Should I include my nationality and visa status?
Many applicants do, because it tells the employer whether sponsorship is needed. It is your choice.
How long should a UAE CV be?
Two pages is common. Senior candidates sometimes use three.
Already have a CV?
Upload it to the free ATS checker to see how it reads, then open it in the editor to change the format.