🛫 CV/Resume Guide for Gulf Country Job Applications

If you're planning to work in the Gulf countries, your resume is your passport to opportunity. Employers in the Middle East value clarity, professionalism, and relevance, especially since they receive thousands of applications from international job seekers.

🇬🇧 Preferred Format in Gulf Countries

Unlike Western countries, GCC employers often expect:

• A detailed CV (2 pages or more depending on experience)

• Personal information like passport details, nationality, and date of birth

• A professional photo (optional but common)

• Work history that shows Gulf experience (if any)

🧾 Essential Sections of a Gulf-Ready CV

1. Personal Details

• Full Name

• Mobile Number (with country code)

• Email Address

• Nationality

• Date of Birth

• Marital Status (optional)

• Passport Number & Validity (optional but common)

• Visa Status (especially if already in GCC)

• Languages Known

• Current Address and Willingness to Relocate

2. Professional Summary (3–5 lines)

A clear snapshot of your experience and strengths. Mention your Gulf experience, if applicable.

Example:

Experienced Civil Engineer with over 6 years of project management experience, including 3 years in Qatar. Skilled in site supervision, team leadership, and quality control. Seeking to contribute to infrastructure development in the UAE.

3. Core Skills / Areas of Expertise

• Use bullet points or categories relevant to your trade or profession.

Example: For a driver:

• Heavy Vehicle Operation (Light/Heavy/Trailer)

• Route Navigation in GCC

• Safety Compliance

• Defensive Driving Techniques

For an office role:

• MS Office & Excel

• Communication & Coordination

• Client Handling

• Time Management

4. Work Experience

• List in reverse order

• Include Company Name, Country, Job Title, Duration

• Mention Gulf-based experience first if possible

• Highlight duties + achievements

Example:

HVAC Technician
Al Jaber Engineering | Doha, Qatar | Jan 2021 – Dec 2023

• Installed and maintained HVAC systems in commercial buildings

• Completed 100+ installations across 15 sites

• Ensured compliance with QCS standards and safety protocols

5. Education

• Degree / Certificate

• Institution Name

• Country & Year

• Include trade or vocational training, if any

6. Certifications & Licenses

Especially important for skilled trades, drivers, engineers, and safety officers:

• Driving License (UAE / GCC)

• NEBOSH, IOSH (for HSE roles)

• ITI Certificates

• Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical

• Language proficiency (IELTS, etc., if required)

7. Languages

• English (Fluent/Basic)

• Arabic (if applicable)

• Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Bengali, etc. (useful in diverse workforces)

8. References (Optional)

• Include only if requested

• Can be stated as “Available upon request”

🎯 Best Practices for Gulf Job CVs

• Clarity is king: Use simple English and avoid jargon

• List Gulf Experience First: Prioritize relevant regional exposure

• Add a Passport Photo: If required by agency or employer

• Include Visa Status: Especially if on Visit or Transferable Visa

• Use Formal Fonts: Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman

• Length: 2 pages for most roles; 3 for senior professionals

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using fancy designs or too many colors

• Leaving out passport or visa status

• Using WhatsApp-style informal language

• Not tailoring the CV for each job

• Spelling or grammar mistakes