Gulf job markets are international, fast-moving and competitive. Expectations vary between employers — a global company in Dubai may expect a Western-style CV, while a local or government employer may expect more personal detail. This guide covers what is commonly expected across the GCC.
Format basics
- Length: two pages for most professionals; one page for graduates.
- Paper size: A4.
- Language: English is widely used in the private sector. Government and some local employers may prefer or require Arabic — CVLuma lets you create an Arabic CV with right-to-left layout and Arabic typography.
- Reverse chronological order, with clear dates.
Personal details commonly included
Gulf employers often expect more personal information than employers in the UK or US. It is common — though not always required — to include:
- Nationality — relevant for visa sponsorship and, in Saudi Arabia and other countries, for nationalisation programmes such as Saudization and Emiratisation.
- Visa or residency status — for example “UAE residence visa (transferable)” or “Requires visa sponsorship”.
- Current location and willingness to relocate.
- Driving licence — especially a local licence (for example, a UAE driving licence).
- Languages with levels — Arabic and English proficiency are highly relevant.
- Notice period — many employers ask about availability early.
In CVLuma you can switch these on as optional fields in the Contact step, so they only appear when you choose.
What about photos and date of birth?
Photos and dates of birth are still common on Gulf CVs, but many multinational employers no longer expect them, and they are never a substitute for strong content. CVLuma’s templates are designed to be photo-free for clean, ATS-friendly parsing. Include your date of birth only if the employer asks for it.
Content that stands out
- Regional experience: name the countries and markets you have worked in.
- Recognised qualifications: professional certifications (such as CPA, ACCA, PMP, SOCPA or NEBOSH) carry weight; state them clearly.
- Quantified achievements: project values, team sizes, revenue and cost figures — with currency.
- Bilingual ability: if you work in Arabic and English, say so with your level in each.
Tailor for each application
Recruiters in the region often receive many applications for each role. A tailored summary and a clear match between your skills and the job description make a real difference. Try the job description matcher to compare your CV with a specific posting.