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CV format for Dubai and the UAE

A UAE CV (the Dubai CV format recruiters expect) is one to two pages, reverse-chronological, with a professional photo and a header recruiters scan first: nationality, current location, visa status, notice period and languages. Keep your Emirates ID and passport numbers off it.

Build my CVCheck my ATS scoreUpdated 28 September 2026

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UAE CV format at a glance

Length
One to two pages; two for experienced professionals.
Photo
A professional headshot is common in the UAE; follow the job advert.
Header
Name, phone (+971), email, LinkedIn, nationality, current location, visa status (e.g. employment visa, visit visa, spouse visa), notice period or availability.
Languages
List them with level; Arabic is a plus for many roles.
Driving licence
Mention a UAE driving licence if the role involves driving.
Salary
Leave it off the CV; give your expectation in AED per month when the recruiter or form asks.
Never include
Emirates ID or passport numbers, visa copies, religion.
Where it's read
Bayt, Naukrigulf, GulfTalent, LinkedIn, Indeed, recruitment agencies and company portals (Workday, Taleo, SuccessFactors).

CV sample for the UAE

A made-up person, in the layout described on this page. Build yours with any CVEmber template and download it as a PDF.

UAE CV sample (procurement, 7 years)

Arjun Nair

Procurement Manager · Construction and facilities · 7 years (4 in the UAE)

Dubai, UAE · +971 50 xxx xxxx · arjun.nair@example.com

Nationality: Indian · Visa: Employment visa (transferable) · Notice period: 30 days · UAE driving licence · Languages: English, Hindi, Malayalam, basic Arabic

Professional summary

  • Procurement manager with 7 years in construction and facilities management, 4 in Dubai. Manage an annual spend of AED 48 million across 140 suppliers; delivered 9% savings in 2025 through re-tendering.

Experience

  • Procurement Manager, Gulfstone Facilities LLC, Dubai · Jan 2022–present
  • • Re-tendered 22 framework contracts, saving AED 4.3 million in 2025.
  • • Cut purchase-order cycle time from 9 to 4 days by moving approvals to SAP Ariba.
  • Senior Buyer, Coastline Infra Pvt Ltd, Kochi · 2019–2021

Education and certifications

  • MBA, Operations, Cochin University of Science and Technology · 2019
  • CIPS Level 4 Diploma · 2023

Skills

  • Strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, SAP Ariba, supplier audits, Excel

Put location, visa status and notice period in the header so a recruiter sees them first. “Dubai, employment visa, 30 days' notice” answers three questions before they read your experience. If you're abroad, say “Currently in Kochi, India · available to relocate in 60 days”.

For freshers and first jobs in the Gulf

One page. Lead with your degree, internships and any Gulf connection (family visa, UAE schooling, Arabic). Say whether you're on a visit visa and until when.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain

The same format works across the Gulf. Mention an Iqama or residency status where relevant, and any Gulf experience first.

Portals and ATS

Large employers in the UAE use Workday, Taleo and SuccessFactors, and portals like Bayt and Naukrigulf search by keywords. Keep the layout single-column and write your skills the way the job advert does. Check it with the free ATS checker.

Leaving your current job

When you get an offer, your notice period and visa cancellation come next. Our UAE resignation letter covers notice, gratuity and visa cancellation.

Sources

Checked on 28 September 2026. Employers and portals change what they ask for, so always follow the job advert first.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Should I put a photo on my CV for Dubai?

A professional headshot is common in the UAE; follow the job advert. Use a plain background and business attire.

Should I mention my visa status?

Yes, in the header: employment visa (and whether it's transferable), visit visa with its expiry, spouse or family visa, or outside the UAE.

Should I put my salary expectation on my CV?

No. Give it in AED per month when the recruiter or the application form asks.

How long should a UAE CV be?

One page for freshers, two pages for experienced professionals.

Should I include my Emirates ID number?

No. It's an identity number, not a screening detail. Give it during onboarding.

Do I need to write my nationality?

It's common on UAE CVs, because work-permit processing depends on it.

Still unsure? Send us a message — a real person replies.

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