Dubai is home to thousands of companies hiring from around the world, so employers receive hundreds of CVs every week. A well-formatted, professional CV can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting selected. If you are applying for a job in Dubai, your CV must follow certain standards and expectations that are common in the UAE job market.
Here you will learn how to create a Dubai-style CV that impresses recruiters and matches what hiring managers in the UAE are looking for.
1. Use a Simple and Professional Format
Dubai employers prefer CVs that are clean, easy to read, and well-organized. Avoid fancy designs, graphics, and multiple columns. Stick to basic formatting with a clear structure.
Tips for the format:
- Use a professional font (Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman)
- Font size: 11–12 pt for text, 14–16 pt for section headings
- Use bullet points to keep information easy to scan
- Keep margin spacing standard (around 1 inch)
- Stick to black text on a white background
2. Include a Professional Photo
Adding a photo is common and accepted in Dubai. A high-quality, passport-style headshot gives a personal touch and helps recruiters remember you. Your photo should have:
- Neutral background
- Formal or semi-formal attire
- Confident but approachable expression
Avoid selfies or casual pictures. Your image should reflect how you’d look in a professional setting.
3. Add Basic Personal Information
Start your CV with your basic personal details. These should be clear and placed at the top. Recruiters in Dubai usually expect to see this information immediately so they can quickly identify your eligibility to work in the UAE.
Having this section easy to find saves time for employers and shows your awareness of professional standards. Be sure your phone number and email address are active and regularly checked, as employers may contact you on short notice for interviews.
Include:
- Full name
- Mobile number (include UAE or international code)
- Email address (professional, not casual)
- Current location
- Nationality
- Languages spoken
- UAE visa status (Visit Visa, Employment Visa, Freelance Visa, etc.)
- Driving license (optional but helpful for some jobs)
You do not need to include religion, marital status, or full home address unless requested.
4. Write a Strong Profile Summary
This section should be a short paragraph (3–5 lines) that introduces you and your value to the employer. Keep it focused, clear, and professional.
Example: Experienced logistics coordinator with 5+ years in warehouse operations and inventory control. Skilled in SAP systems and team coordination. Currently on visit visa and available for immediate joining in Dubai.
5. Show Your Work Experience (Reverse Order)
Your job experience is the most important part of your CV. List your most recent job first and go backward. Use clear job titles, employer names, dates, and a summary of duties.
Example format: Sales Executive
Carrefour UAE – Dubai
Feb 2020 – Dec 2023
- Assisted over 150 customers daily and increased monthly sales by 20%
- Handled POS operations and managed cash closing with full accuracy
- Trained 3 new team members in customer service standards
Try to include achievements and real results using numbers when possible.
6. Mention Your Educational Background
List your academic qualifications clearly with the degree name, university/school, and graduation year. Mention any honors, awards, or distinctions you earned, as they show academic excellence.
Example: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
University of Punjab – 2017
If you studied in another country, you can mention your country and whether your degree is attested for the UAE.
7. Highlight Key Skills
Skills help employers quickly understand what you are good at. Write this section using bullet points. Include both soft skills and technical skills related to your job field.
Examples:
- Customer service
- Inventory management
- Microsoft Excel and Word
- Data entry and speed typing
- Communication skills
- Multitasking
If you are in a technical job, also mention software, tools, or systems you’ve used (like AutoCAD, Photoshop, SAP, etc.).
8. Certifications and Training (If Any)
If you have done any short courses, online certifications, or professional development training, mention them here. Employers in Dubai appreciate candidates who take the time to improve their skills.
Examples:
- First Aid Training – Red Crescent UAE
- Digital Marketing Certificate – Google
- Fire Safety Awareness – Dubai Municipality
9. Mention Language Skills
Dubai is multicultural, and language skills are highly valuable. Mention the languages you speak and your level of fluency.
Example:
- English – Fluent
- Arabic – Conversational
- Hindi – Fluent
- Urdu – Native
- French – Basic
10. Add Personal Projects (Optional)
If you have completed freelance work, online projects, or volunteer roles, include them briefly. This is useful, especially if you are a fresh graduate or switching careers.
Example:
- Volunteered at Expo 2020 Dubai, assisting with guest registration and directions.
- Managed a small Instagram store selling handmade accessories.
11. Keep It 1–2 Pages Only
Your CV should be short and relevant. Most employers in Dubai prefer a 1-page CV, but 2 pages are fine if you have 5+ years of experience. Don’t add extra information like hobbies, religion, or unnecessary personal details. Focus only on what’s useful for the job.
12. Save and Name Your File Properly
Save your CV in PDF format to keep the layout fixed. Use a clear and professional file name like: Ahmed_Khan_SalesCV_Dubai.pdf. Avoid generic names like “CV.docx” or “MyResume.pdf”.
13. Bonus Tips for Dubai CVs
- Use keywords from the job description in your CV (especially in profile and skills)
- Don’t leave employment gaps unexplained
- Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes
- Mention “Available in Dubai” or “Immediate Joiner” if true
- Attach a short, customized cover letter if possible
14. What Recruiters in Dubai Want
Recruiters in Dubai typically scan CVs, often in under 10 seconds, to determine if a candidate is a good fit for the job. This means your CV must present the most important details right at the top, clearly and directly.
Make sure your:
- The summary shows why you’re a good fit
- Skills match the job posting
- CV looks clean and easy to read
- Contact info is clear and correct
- Visa status is visible (very important in the UAE)
They prefer candidates who are available in the UAE or have a valid visa. If you’re in Dubai on a visit visa, clearly mention that you’re ready to join immediately.
15. Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Many employers in Dubai also check your LinkedIn. Make sure your LinkedIn matches your CV. Add a professional profile photo, update your job experience, and connect with recruiters.
You can also upload your CV directly to job sites in the UAE, like:
- Bayt.com
- Naukrigulf.com
- GulfTalent.com
- Dubizzle Jobs
- LinkedIn Jobs
Oxford CV specializes in making professional CVs that meet Dubai and UAE hiring standards. From freshers to senior professionals, our team creates documents that help you get noticed by employers. We help you format your experience clearly, choose the right wording, and present your skills effectively, so you can apply with confidence.