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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers excellent employment opportunities across multiple industries. A high standard of living, tax-free salaries, and solid global exposure make the UAE an attractive destination for job seekers worldwide. Within the UAE, Dubai is a particularly appealing job destination and prevails as an international talent magnet. If you are looking to land a job in Dubai successfully, we suggest focusing on understanding its recruitment processes and developing a focused job application strategy.
In Dubai, the terms’ CV’ and ‘resume’ are often used interchangeably and refer to the same document. Writing an impressive Curriculum Vitae(CV) is one of the key steps of the job search process. A CV for the Dubai market tends to be more detailed and culturally tailored compared to other countries.
In this article, we will discuss all there is to know about creating an effective CV for the emirate’s job market.
UAE/Dubai CV Samples & Templates
To give yourself the best chance of landing your dream job in the UAE, it is important to write a CV in accordance with the employers’ expectations. In case you are struggling with the same, it can be beneficial to look at some CV samples and templates for the UAE market. Here, are some examples to get you going:
1) CV sample for a progressive industry
Download PDF Sample | Download Word Sample
2) CV sample for a conservative industry
Download PDF Sample | Download Word Sample
How to Write a CV for Dubai (Step-by-Step Guide)
In this section, we’ll guide you on how to write a CV for the UAE market. We’ll go section by section of your CV. Let’s dig in:
1) Contact Details
Start your CV with a clear contact details section at the top.
This should include:
- Your full name
- Mobile number (include international country code)
- Professional email address
- Home address (mention your local UAE address if available)
- Links to your online profiles like LinkedIn or a personal website, if applicable
2) Personal Information
Following the contact details at the top, the personal information section should come next. In many Western countries, including personal details in the CV is typically discouraged due to potential unconscious bias during hiring. However, in Dubai, particularly when applying to local companies, this section is often expected.
You should carefully review the job description to determine if any personal attributes are specified as requirements. Typically, this section includes:
- Photo: Most local companies in Dubai expect to see a professional headshot in the CV. Use a high-resolution, passport-size photograph and place it at the top corner of your CV.
- Nationality: Mention your nationality, as this is often required for visa purposes; visas may be granted only to certain nationalities. If you have dual nationality, specify both.
- Marital Status: State your marital status and any dependents on your CV. Many UAE companies sponsor employees’ family visas and may also cover benefits such as family accommodation, medical insurance, and schooling.
- Driving License: Important for job roles that require extensive travel within and around the city, such as sales or IT hardware support roles.
- Visa Status: If you are already in the UAE, specify your visa status—whether you are on a tourist visa, employment visa, or living as a dependent.
- Date of Birth: Include your date of birth, as some recruiters specify the age range they are targeting for certain positions.
- Sex: Specify your gender, particularly if the job posting requests a specific gender, which can be the case in some industries in the UAE.
3) Professional Summary Section
Employers in Dubai like to see a professional summary in the CV. This section provides an overview of your relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments. The purpose of it is to showcase to the employer you’re the right candidate for the job and convince them to read the rest of the document.
Pro Tip: Given the diverse workforce in Dubai, if applicable, we suggest mentioning experience in multicultural environments in your professional summary. Also, maintain a professional tone throughout the summary, as Dubai has a more formal business culture.
4) Key Skills Section
Position the ‘Key Skills’ section immediately after your professional summary. Instead of listing all possible skills, focus on those highlighted in the job description. Incorporate a mix of hard and soft skills that reflect your professional experience and relevance to the role.
In the unique business environment of Dubai, the following skills are particularly valued:
- Digital Proficiency: Expertise in digital technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics is crucial as Dubai advances its goal of becoming a digitally integrated smart city.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: The rapid changes in Dubai’s economic landscape demand professionals who can quickly adjust to new technologies and market dynamics.
- Networking Skills: Strong relationship-building abilities are essential in Dubai, where business culture emphasizes personal connections and networking.
- Cybersecurity Skills: Protecting digital infrastructures against increasing cyber threats is critical, making cybersecurity expertise a valued asset in maintaining Dubai’s leading position in the global digital economy.
- Project Management Skills: Proficiency in managing and delivering projects within specified timelines and standards is key, given Dubai’s extensive developments across various sectors like IT, construction, and healthcare.
5) Work Experience
The work experience section is undoubtedly one of the most critical parts of a CV. It should directly follow your professional summary and key skills sections. This section is substantial as it conveys to potential employers your previous experiences and your suitability for the job. It’s essential to present yourself in a manner that resonates with hiring decision-makers.
Begin by listing your job history in reverse chronological order, focusing on aspects most relevant to the job you’re targeting. For each role, include the following elements:
- Company Overview: Provide a brief description of your company’s nature and size. This is crucial, especially if you have not previously worked in the UAE. For instance, if you worked for a well-known company in your home country that might be unfamiliar in Dubai, you might say, “XYZ Corporation – Largest home electronics company in Australia,” to emphasize its significance.
- Job Overview: Offer a succinct 1-2 line summary under each position detailing your role and responsibilities.
- Bullets: Employ bullet points to outline your responsibilities and achievements using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on highlighting your accomplishments rather than merely listing duties. Where possible, quantify results to demonstrate the impact of your contributions.
- Language and Tone: Use action-oriented and achievement-focused language. Avoid downplaying your achievements or employing lackluster descriptions. The Dubai job market favors CVs that are compelling and assertive.
6) Professional Certifications
Next, comes the Professional Certifications section. Include relevant certifications and licenses, particularly those recognized internationally. These certifications carry significant weight in Dubai, often more so than local qualifications from your home country. Notably, certifications from recognized US and UK professional bodies—such as CIMA for accounting or SHRM for human resources—are highly valued.
Additionally, industry-specific certifications are crucial, especially for professions like accounting, project management, and IT. For example, certifications from ACCA, PMI, or Cisco’s CCNA should be prominently displayed if they are relevant to the job you are targeting.
In certain professions, local Dubai certifications or licenses are mandatory. Real estate agents must obtain a RERA License, while healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are required to have a DHA license to practice in Dubai. Highlighting these certifications not only shows compliance with local regulations but also demonstrates your preparedness and eligibility for the role.
7) Education
Typically, the Education section is placed after the Professional Certifications section, unless you are a recent graduate with limited work experience. In such cases, you might consider positioning it before to highlight your educational achievements.
Begin by mentioning your highest education qualification first, followed by the university’s name, its location, and your graduation date. You may include up to two of your most recent qualifications. Additionally, if the university you attended is highly ranked in your home country but less known in Dubai, add a brief description to emphasize its prestige, for example, “XYZ University – ranked as the No. 1 business school in Norway.”
If your academic background includes studies abroad or degrees from internationally recognized institutions, make sure to highlight this fact. In a global hub like Dubai, such international qualifications are highly valued and can significantly enhance your appeal to multinational companies.
8) Additional Information
You could insert an additional information section to strengthen your CV if it is relevant to the position you’re applying for. This section may include languages, awards, volunteer experiences, and technical skills. In the UAE, English and Arabic are dominant business languages. Also, Hindi and Urdu are widely spoken. If you are proficient in these languages, you could mention it in your CV. If the job you are applying for requires a strong technical skill set, you should add a technical skill section.
Tips for Writing a CV for Dubai
Crafting a compelling CV tailored for the Dubai job market requires an understanding of local norms and expectations. Here are several essential tips to help you prepare a CV that stands out to Dubai employers:
1. Aim for the correct CV length
Generally, the recruiters in Dubai expect a longer and more detailed CV than their European or American counterparts. The recommended CV length in Dubai is two to three pages. A one-page CV is often considered too short. However, this is not set in stone, and the ideal length will vary depending on your amount of work experience, achievements, and education.
2. Include a professional photo when required
Job seekers are often confused about whether to include a photograph in their CVs. Your decision should be based on the expectations of your target employer. Typically, multinational companies in Dubai may follow global anti-discrimination hiring practices and may not want you to include a picture in your CV.
On the other hand, most local companies in Dubai expect to see a professional headshot in the CV. Use a high-resolution, passport-size photograph and place it at the top corner of your CV. Remember to dress professionally and avoid using selfies and group pictures.
3. Choose the right CV layout
Many CVs are dismissed at first glance because of poor formatting, structure, and template. Remember to use a neat, easy-to-scan CV layout with well-defined sections. You could incorporate some design elements to emphasize key information and make your CV look appealing. However, avoid using unusual fonts, bold graphics, and excessive colors. Normally, recruiters in the Gulf region prefer a more conservative CV template.
Your CV’s design will also depend on the industry you are applying to. For traditional industries, we recommend using a conventional template. For progressive industries, you could use a more creative layout.
4. Write a detail-oriented CV
In many western countries, employers prefer to see a brief resume, focused on key skills and experiences only. On the other hand, employers appreciate a more informative CV in the Middle East region, as long as it is relevant to the target role. Thus, while crafting a CV for Dubai jobs, you could provide a more detailed synopsis of your career trajectory.
Applying for Senior Positions in Dubai
When applying for senior-level positions in Dubai, your CV should reflect your proficiency in managing within the city’s unique and diverse business culture:
- Cross-Cultural Leadership: Emphasize your experience in leading diverse teams, showcasing your ability to manage and integrate a multicultural workforce effectively. This is vital in Dubai, where the workforce comes from various international backgrounds.
- Understanding Local Business Practices: Highlight your familiarity with UAE’s business regulations and legal frameworks. Mention any specific regional compliances or regulations you have successfully navigated, demonstrating your capability to adapt and lead within Dubai’s legal context.
- Professional Networks and Community Involvement: Detail your active participation in local business councils, chambers of commerce, or professional groups. These memberships are crucial for networking and establishing influence in Dubai, and they underscore your commitment to being part of the local business community.
Conclusion
Writing a CV for the Dubai job market can be challenging, especially if it is your first time. Customizing your CV as per the local nuances and the expectations of Dubai employers is key to maximizing your chances of securing a job interview. So, if you are serious about finding a job in Dubai, do your homework and invest time in creating a winning CV. If you need further guidance or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
