Middle East & Gulf · EMEA · region guide
How to write a CV for the Middle East & Gulf
How to write a CV for the Gulf in 2026: photo, nationality, visa status and notice period, nationalisation programmes, and which guide to follow for each GCC country.
The short answer
Across the Gulf (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman) a CV is usually two pages, three for senior roles, and normally includes a professional photo, nationality, current location, visa or residency status, notice period, languages and a driving licence if relevant. Every GCC country runs a nationalisation programme that reserves or prioritises some roles for citizens, so expatriate candidates should make specialist skills, certifications and the scale of their work obvious.
Lead guides
The countries that set the rules in Middle East & Gulf.
Start with the guide closest to where you're applying. The table below shows which one each neighbouring country follows.
Common across Middle East & Gulf
- 2 pages, 3 for senior roles
- Professional headshot is common
- Nationality, location, visa or residency status, and notice period
- Regional (GCC or MENA) experience and the size of budgets, teams and projects
- Languages, including Arabic level if you have it
Other countries in Middle East & Gulf
| Country | Follow | What's different |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait | AEUnited Arab Emirates | Gulf-style CV. Kuwaitization prioritises citizens, especially in the public sector. State your residency and whether it's transferable. |
| Bahrain | AEUnited Arab Emirates | Gulf-style CV. Bahrainisation targets apply. Financial services is a major employer, so certifications such as CFA or ACCA carry weight. |
| Oman | AEUnited Arab Emirates | Gulf-style CV. Omanisation reserves a growing list of job titles for citizens. Expatriates do best in specialist and senior roles. |
Reviewed by the PenworthCV writing team, October 2026. Always follow the instructions in the job ad.
FAQ
Middle East & Gulf CV questions
It's common and often expected. Use a professional headshot in business dress, or leave it off if a multinational employer asks you not to include one.
No. Employers often ask for current and expected salary, but give it in the application form or by email, not on the CV.
Yes. Say you're "available to relocate" and give your notice period. Being already in the country helps, so mention it if you are.
Rarely. English is standard for private-sector and multinational roles. Some government roles prefer Arabic.
Other regions
Get started
Applying in Middle East & Gulf?
Get a CV written to the conventions of your target country by a certified writer, with your first draft in 1 working day.