Build AI CVWhat Gulf employers look for
No government in the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Qatar publishes rules for CVs. The advice in this guide comes from careers sites and recruiters. Where we say "commonly included" or "optional", it is common practice, not a rule.
- Most applications are made online, with a CV or an application form. Add a short cover letter written for this job.
- In the UAE, English is the language of business. Some Arabic will greatly improve your chances.
- In Saudi Arabia, you are unlikely to need to apply in Arabic, especially with international companies. Some Arabic still helps a lot.
- Employers who hire from abroad want to see quickly that you are qualified, licensed and able to start.
- If your past employer is not well known in the Gulf, add one short line about what the company does.
- Do not attach your passport copy or certificates unless the employer asks for them.
Personal details: what is commonly included
All of these are optional. Include only what you are comfortable with.
UAE labour law bans discrimination on the basis of gender, race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin or disability.
- Nationality: the nationality in your passport. If you have two nationalities, write both.
- Visa status: if you are already in the Gulf, say what visa you are on (for example visit visa, employment visa or dependant).
- Age or date of birth and marital status are often listed under personal details.
- A photo: most companies in Dubai like to see one, especially for jobs with customers. It is less common for senior jobs and at multinational companies. Use a professional photo, not a selfie.
- In Saudi Arabia, some employers may ask for more personal details than in other countries, such as marital status and number of children.
- Driving licence: list it with the country that issued it if the job involves driving or travel.
CV tip: Write your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, so it matches your certificates, licences and visa papers.
Notice period and when you can start
Many Gulf employers prefer people who can start soon. If you are not working now and can start straight away, say so.
In the UAE, the labour law says a notice period in an employment contract must be at least 30 days and no more than 90 days.
CV tip: Add one clear line near the top, for example "Available: 30 days' notice" or "Available immediately". Write only what is true for you.
Health workers: licences and checks
Nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other health workers need a licence from the health regulator in the place where they will work.
- UAE: the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), or a local health authority such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH). Some professions must pass a local exam before they get a licence.
- Saudi Arabia: the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Professional classification is the first step. It can include a written exam or a practical evaluation.
- Qatar: the Department of Healthcare Professions at the Ministry of Public Health registers and licenses physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and allied health workers.
- Regulators check your certificates and work experience directly with the place that issued them. This is called primary source verification. It is done by approved companies, for example DataFlow.
CV tip: Show your home registration and number, your Gulf licence or exam status (for example "DHA exam passed, licence in progress"), and whether your verification is done. Make your dates match your certificates.
Engineers and skilled trades
- Saudi Arabia: an engineering profession may not be practised without professional accreditation from the Saudi Council of Engineers. There are categories for engineers, specialists and technicians.
- Saudi Arabia: the Ministry of Human Resources runs a Professional Verification program for skilled workers, with practical and theory exams in their field. In some cases the test is taken in your home country before you travel, and the work visa depends on passing it. Ask your employer or recruiter if it applies to your job.
- UAE (Dubai): engineers working in construction at Dubai Municipality or at contracting companies licensed in Dubai must be members of the UAE Society of Engineers and pass a competency exam.
- Qatar: engineers are registered with the Ministry of Municipality (the Engineers Record) to practise engineering.
CV tip: Name each registration, grade or membership, and each trade certificate or test (for example welding codes or electrical licences) with the issuer and the year. If something is in progress, say "in progress".
Qualifications and attestation
- UAE: certificates from abroad are first authenticated by the foreign ministry in the country where they were issued, then by the UAE embassy or consulate there. Some professions also need the degree attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- Qatar: certificates from abroad must be attested by the foreign ministry in the country where they were issued, and carry the seal of a Qatari mission abroad (or an accredited foreign mission) before the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs attests them.
- Saudi Arabia: the Professional Verification service checks that a foreign worker's educational qualifications match the level, field and experience needed for the job.
CV tip: Write the exact title of each qualification, the institution, the country and the year, the same as on the attested document.
Work visas (in general)
In all three countries, the employer applies for your work visa or permit. In the UAE, the employer applies for the work visa. In Saudi Arabia, employers issue work visas through the Qiwa platform. In Qatar, companies ask the Ministry of Labour for approval to recruit workers.
The UAE strictly bans working on a visit or tourist visa, paid or unpaid.
We do not explain the visa process here. Check the official websites linked below.
Layout tips from us
These are our tips as a CV maker, not rules.
- Use a clear layout that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can read.
- Put your job title and total years of experience at the top.
- Write the country next to every job. Experience in the region counts.
- List your languages with their level, for example "English: fluent, Arabic: basic".
- Put licences, registrations and certifications in their own section, where they are easy to find.
Official websites to check
- UAE: the UAE Government portal (u.ae), the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai Legislation Portal for Dubai engineering rules.
- Saudi Arabia: the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Qiwa platform and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
- Qatar: the Hukoomi government portal, the Ministry of Public Health (Department of Healthcare Professions) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation.
