How to Write a Dubai-Optimized CV: A Complete Template & Checklist
Introduction
A CV that works in Europe or the US doesn’t always work in Dubai. The UAE has its own recruiter expectations, formatting preferences, and strict ATS filters. To stand out, your CV must be clear, concise, results-focused, and aligned with UAE hiring standards.
Here is your complete guide, including the ideal CV structure, a template, and a practical checklist you can use immediately.
The Ideal Dubai CV Structure
1. Personal Information
In Dubai, it’s common to include more details than in Western countries. Recommended fields:
Full Name
Nationality
Current Location (Dubai or Willing to Relocate)
Visa Status (Visit Visa, Cancelled Visa, Resident Visa, etc.)
Phone Number & Email
LinkedIn Profile
Photo is optional, but still widely accepted and often expected in Dubai.
2. Professional Summary (3–4 sentences)
A short overview that highlights:
✔ Your years of experience
✔ Your specialization
✔ Your strongest skills
✔ A measurable achievement or value-add
3. Key Skills
Use bullet points and include both technical and soft skills:
SEO / SEM
CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot)
Project Management
Budget Management
Data Analysis
Team Leadership
UAE Market Knowledge
4. Professional Experience
Follow the structure:
Job Title, Company, Location, Dates
Under each role, list 4–6 bullet points focusing on results, not tasks:
Increased conversion rates by 32% through A/B testing.
Managed a marketing budget of AED 500k annually.
Led a team of 6 sales executives to exceed monthly targets by 25%.
Dubai recruiters love metrics, include numbers wherever possible.
5. Education
List your degrees, certifications, and relevant courses.
6. Certifications (Important in UAE!)
Examples depending on your field:
PMP
ACCA / CFA
Google Ads / GA4
CIPD
AWS Cloud Practitioner
Certifications significantly boost your CV visibility in Dubai.
7. Languages
Dubai is multicultural, languages are a major advantage.
Examples:
English, Fluent
Arabic, Basic
German, Native
8. Additional Sections (Optional)
You can add:
Volunteer Work
Technical Projects
Awards
Publications
Dubai CV Checklist
✔ Clear 1–2 page format
✔ Includes nationality + visa status
✔ ATS-friendly (simple formatting, no tables)
✔ Achievements with numbers
✔ Keywords matched to UAE job descriptions
✔ Updated LinkedIn profile
✔ Saved as PDF
Conclusion
Your CV is your first impression in Dubai’s competitive market. With the right structure and UAE-optimized content, you significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters, and landing interviews faster.
Looking for a job in Dubai? Send you CV HERE https://www.njordconsultancy.com/submityourcv
For our lastest job posts www.linkedin.com/company/njordconsultancy.com