A free CV builder for the Saudi and Gulf market — with photo, nationality, Iqama/visa status, and notice period, in the format recruiters at Aramco, SABIC, STC, NEOM, and Vision 2030 employers expect.
A Saudi (and wider Gulf) CV is almost the opposite of a US resume. Employers expect a professional photo, nationality, date of birth, marital status, and — for expats — your Iqama or visa status and notice period. These details help recruiters screen quickly against Saudization (Nitaqat) requirements and visa readiness.
Highlight any existing Gulf experience, a transferable Iqama, and willingness to relocate. Foreign degrees often need attestation (Saudi Culture Mission / Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and regulated professions require registration — SCE for engineers, SCFHS for healthcare. Listing your Arabic name transliteration and language levels helps too.
Use our free builder to create a Gulf-ready CV with the right structure and ATS-friendly formatting that employers across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and NEOM expect.
Six rules every Saudi / Gulf CV should follow.
A neat, formal headshot is standard on Gulf CVs — top corner of page one.
State your nationality — it's relevant to Saudization (Nitaqat) screening.
Expats: state your Iqama status and whether it's transferable.
Recruiters want your availability — "30 days", "immediately available".
Date of birth and marital status are expected, unlike Western resumes.
Note willingness to relocate and a valid Saudi/GCC driving licence.
The exact structure recruiters in Saudi Arabia expect.
Photo, full name (+ Arabic transliteration), nationality, DOB, marital status, Iqama/visa, driving licence.
3–4 lines: experience, specialism, Gulf experience, availability.
8–12 role-relevant technical and domain skills.
Reverse chronological — highlight GCC/Gulf experience. 4–6 achievement bullets.
Degree, university, year — note attestation/equivalency where required.
SCE (engineers), SCFHS (healthcare), PMP, project/industry certifications.
Arabic and English levels — a genuine plus in the Saudi market.
"Available on request", or named referees if requested.
Quick reference of the local resume conventions.
| Length | 2–3 pages |
| Photo | Expected — formal headshot |
| Personal Details | Nationality, DOB, marital status included |
| Iqama/Visa | State status + transferability (expats) |
| Notice Period | Include it |
| Attestation | Foreign degrees often need SACM/MOFA attestation |
| Registration | SCE / SCFHS for regulated professions |
| Languages | Arabic + English levels valued |
Copy-ready opening lines and impact statements.
Yes. A neat, formal headshot is standard on Gulf CVs, usually placed in the top corner of page one.
Yes, if you're an expat. State your Iqama/visa status and whether it's transferable — recruiters screen for it early.
A government programme requiring companies to hire a quota of Saudi nationals. That's why nationality is expected on Gulf CVs.
Often yes. Foreign qualifications for regulated roles usually need attestation via the Saudi Culture Mission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Yes. Gulf recruiters want to know your availability — "immediately available" or "30 days' notice".
Yes — unlike Western resumes, DOB and marital status are expected on a Saudi/Gulf CV.
Not always, but listing Arabic and English proficiency is a genuine advantage in the Saudi market.
Applying internationally? Each country has unique resume conventions — pick the right format for your destination.
1-page, no photo, achievement bullets
2-page format, personal statement, hobbies
Tabellarisch format with photo & signature
Bilingual-ready, no photo, achievement-focused
ATS-friendly format for Aussie recruiters
2–3 pages, referees, visa status upfront
Photo, nationality, visa status included
2-page EU-style CV, work-permit status
Work-pass status, concise, skills-forward
1-page, projects, CGPA, campus placements
Pick a Gulf-ready template with photo support, add your details and Iqama status, and download a polished PDF in minutes — completely free.
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