Free UAE CV template (Word).
Download the free UAE CV template (Word, .docx). It opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs and Pages, uses standard headings and no tables or graphics, so applicant tracking systems can read it. Replace everything in [brackets], delete anything that is not true for you, and save it as a PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
Prefer not to format anything yourself? The AI CV generator fills this structure from your details, and you can preview the finished CV free before deciding to export it.
The section order most UAE employers expect.
1. Header: full name, target job title, area and emirate, +971 phone number, email and LinkedIn.
2. Visa and availability: visa status and when you can start or your notice period.
3. Professional summary: two or three lines with your experience and one concrete result.
4. Work experience: most recent first, with dates and three to five achievement-led bullet points per role.
5. Education: degree, institution, country and year.
6. Certifications: licences and courses relevant to the role, with years.
7. Skills and languages: skills taken from the job advert that you genuinely have, and languages with honest levels.
Keep it to one page if you have under five years of experience and two pages at most otherwise.
What a Dubai CV includes that others often don't.
Visa status. Recruiters in the UAE want to know straight away whether you are on an employment visa, a visit visa (and until when), a residence visa through family, or a golden visa. Stating it saves a screening call.
Availability or notice period. "Available immediately" or "30 days' notice" helps employers who need someone quickly.
Location. Give your area and emirate, for example Al Barsha, Dubai. Commute matters for shift-based and on-site roles.
Driving licence. Mention a UAE licence when the role involves driving, sales visits or site work.
Photo, nationality and date of birth. Some UAE CVs include them, but they are not required. Include them only if the advert asks or you are comfortable doing so.
Adjusting the format for common Dubai jobs.
Driver: lead with your UAE licence category, years driving in the UAE, the areas and vehicle types you know, and a clean record if you have one.
Security guard: put your SIRA or other security licence, relevant training, height or fitness requirements if the advert lists them, and shift availability near the top.
Teacher: list your teaching qualification, subjects and curriculum experience (British, American, IB, CBSE), and any licensing requirements the school mentions.
Nurse: state your licence status (DHA, DOH or MOHAP), specialty, years of experience and hospital settings.
Make sure software and recruiters can read it.
Many UAE employers use applicant tracking systems that read your CV before a person does. Use standard headings, a single column, no text inside images, and common fonts. Mirror the exact wording of the job advert for skills you really have.
To see how your CV matches a specific advert, paste both into the CV Rater. Your first analysis is free with an account.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put a photo on my CV for Dubai?
It is common in the UAE but not required. Add a professional photo only if the advert asks for one or you are comfortable including it.
How long should a CV be for UAE jobs?
One page with under five years of experience, two pages at most for most other candidates.
Should I send my CV as PDF or Word?
PDF keeps your layout intact, so use it unless the employer or recruiter asks for Word.
Should I mention my visa status on my CV?
Yes. UAE recruiters usually screen on visa status and availability first, so stating them clearly at the top saves time.
Is there a free CV template for UAE jobs?
Yes — download JobFlick's free UAE CV template in Word format from this page. You can also build and preview a CV free with the AI CV generator; PDF export is part of JobFlick Plus.
CV format for Dubai and UAE jobs — with a free template.
Use a one- or two-page, reverse-chronological CV with a plain layout. Put your UAE location, phone, visa status and availability at the top, then a short summary, work experience with measurable results, education, certifications, skills and languages. Download the free template below, or let the AI CV generator build it from your details.
Generate my CV — preview free