Your Guide to Writing a CV That Works in Dubai
Finding a job in Dubai can feel overwhelming. The city attracts thousands of professionals from around the world, which means recruiters receive stacks of applications every single day. Your CV is your ticket to stand out. Think of it as your personal highlight reel—the better it’s written, the more likely you are to land an interview.
The good news? If you structure it the right way and focus on the details employers in Dubai actually care about, your CV will rise above the rest. Let’s break it down step by step.
Keep It Short and Simple
Recruiters don’t have time to read every line. Most of them just skim. That’s why your CV should be clear, neat, and easy to digest:
- Stick to one page if you’re new to the workforce
- Go for two pages max if you have experience
Use clean fonts like Arial or Calibri. Leave out the borders, bright colors, or graphics—they may look fancy but only distract from your content.
👉 Think of your CV like a movie trailer. It should be short, powerful, and focused only on your best moments.
Start With the Basics
Before a recruiter even looks at your skills, they need your key details. In Dubai, make sure you include:
- Your full name
- Phone number (with +971 if you’re in the UAE)
- A professional email address (no nicknames or casual IDs)
- Your location and visa status
- Nationality and languages you speak
📌 Example:
Name: Ali Hassan
Phone: +971-50-1234567
Email: ali.hassan@email.com
Location: Dubai – Visit Visa
Nationality: Indian | Languages: English, Arabic
Write a Catchy Summary
Your summary is the first thing employers read, so don’t waste it. Keep it to 3–4 sentences. Share who you are, your key strengths, and the type of role you’re aiming for.
📌 Example:
“HR Professional with 6+ years of experience in recruitment and employee relations. Skilled in HR policies and talent acquisition. Excited to contribute to a fast-paced Dubai organization.”
Show Off Your Experience
Your work history is where you prove what you bring to the table. Don’t just list tasks—show results. Always start with your most recent job, and add numbers whenever you can.
📌 Example:
Sales Executive | ABC Trading, Dubai | 2020 – Present
- Grew sales by 25% in the first year
- Built long-term relationships with 80+ clients
- Trained and guided two junior team members
👉 Numbers give your CV impact—they show your value at a glance.
Highlight Your Skills (and Use Keywords)
Many companies in Dubai use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These scan CVs for keywords before a recruiter even looks at them. That’s why you should align your skills with the job description.
Some popular skills employers look for:
- Sales and negotiation
- Customer service
- Project management
- Communication and teamwork
- Software knowledge (Excel, SAP, AutoCAD, Google Ads, etc.)
👉 Always tailor your skills section to match the role you’re applying for.
Add Education and Certifications
Your education should be straightforward, but certifications can really boost your profile in Dubai.
📌 Example:
MBA – Finance | Amity University | 2019
B.Com – Accounting | Delhi University | 2016
Extra certifications that make you stand out include PMP, CPA, CMA, NEBOSH, and Google certifications.
Include Dubai-Specific Details
Recruiters in Dubai often check for details that aren’t common elsewhere. Adding these can increase your chances:
- Visa status (Visit Visa, Employment Visa, Freelance, etc.)
- Driving license (a big plus for sales or logistics roles)
- Availability (employers love immediate joiners)
📌 Example:
Visa Status: Employment Visa – transferable
Driving License: UAE License Holder
Availability: Can join immediately
Make It ATS-Friendly
Sometimes your CV is read by a computer before it reaches a recruiter. To keep things simple and compatible:
- Save it as Word or PDF
- Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
- Stick to headings like Summary, Experience, Skills, Education
- Skip photos, tables, or fancy layouts
Double-Check Before Sending
Don’t let small mistakes ruin your chances. Before applying:
- Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
- Double-check job titles and dates
- Customize your CV for every application
Final Thoughts
Your CV doesn’t need to tell your whole life story. It just needs to show your most relevant achievements, skills, and practical details like visa status and availability.
Remember, the CV doesn’t get you the job—it gets you the interview. Once you’re in the room, your personality, confidence, and drive will do the rest.
Keep it short, clear and focused. With the right CV, your next opportunity in Dubai might be just one application away.