Middle East CV format: example and tips
Across the Arab world, CVs are usually two pages, in English for most private-sector jobs, with Arabic welcome and sometimes preferred by government employers. In North Africa, French is common alongside Arabic.
At a glance
| What it is called | CV (in Arabic: السيرة الذاتية) |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 pages |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Photo | Optional. Common, but not required |
| Personal details | Name, city, phone, email and LinkedIn. Nationality and residence or visa status are often added. |
| Language | English or Arabic; French in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia |
Country by country
| Country | Length | Photo | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | 2 pages | Optional | Never put your CPR number |
| Saudi Arabia | 2 pages | Optional | Nationality matters (Saudization) |
| UAE | 2 pages | Optional | Visa status and notice period |
| Qatar | 2 pages | Optional | Residence status |
| Kuwait & Oman | 2 pages | Optional | Nationality; Arabic for government roles |
| Egypt | 1–2 pages | Optional | Men are often asked for their military service status |
| Jordan & Lebanon | 1–2 pages | Optional | English CVs are common; French is also used in Lebanon |
| Morocco, Algeria & Tunisia | 1–2 pages | Optional | French CVs are common; Arabic for some public roles |
Example
Free while Seerty is in beta.
Local tips
- Give your notice period and when you can start: Gulf recruiters ask early.
- Keep an Arabic and an English version. Seerty makes both from the same details.
- List languages with levels, and professional certificates by name.
- Never put ID, passport or residence permit numbers on a CV.
Is this format ATS-friendly?
Yes. Whatever the country, keep one column, real text and standard headings. Every CV made with Seerty is built this way, so you can follow local customs without confusing applicant tracking systems.
Customs change between employers and industries. When a job post asks for something specific, follow the job post.
Other countries
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Created by Seerty in Bahrain, for job seekers everywhere