Resumena

Saudi Arabia CV format (2026): how to write a CV for Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam

By Resumena Editorial Team · Last updated · Checked against official government sources

Quick answer

A Saudi CV is a one-to-two-page, reverse-chronological CV that states your nationality, Iqama status (and whether it is transferable), city and notice period up front. A professional photo is common. List accreditations such as SCE or SCFHS, and send a text-based PDF with standard headings so it passes ATS screening.

Saudi employers read CVs with Saudization (Nitaqat) quotas and Iqama logistics in mind. A clear personal-details block that states your nationality, Iqama status and transferability saves the recruiter a phone call, and often decides whether you get one.

Personal details to include

  • Nationality (Saudi nationals should state it clearly — many roles are prioritised for them)
  • Iqama status for expats (e.g. "Valid Iqama — transferable", "Iqama valid until 2027")
  • Current city (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam/Khobar…)
  • Notice period / availability
  • Saudi driving licence, if held
  • Languages (Arabic is a strong advantage)

Leave out passport, ID and visa numbers. Employers only need those after an offer.

Photo on a Saudi CV

  • A professional photo is common and often expected in Saudi Arabia.
  • Use conservative business attire and a plain background.
  • Keep it to a small headshot in the header.

Format and length

  • Reverse-chronological order: most recent job first.
  • Two pages is normal with 5+ years of experience; one page for graduates and early-career roles.
  • Standard section headings (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills) so applicant-tracking systems (ATS) can parse them.
  • Send a text-based PDF, never a scanned image or a photo of your CV.
  • Quantify results in the local currency where you can (AED, SAR, QAR, KWD, OMR, BHD).

What Saudi recruiters look for

  • Giga-project and Vision 2030 experience (NEOM, Red Sea, Qiddiya, ROSHN…) if you have it.
  • Professional accreditation: SCE for engineers, SCFHS for healthcare professionals, SOCPA for accountants.
  • KSA or wider GCC experience listed prominently.
  • Bilingual Arabic/English CVs are welcome for government and semi-government roles.

Saudi Arabia CV examples

Civil Engineer CVCustomer Service Representative CVMechanical Engineer CVData Analyst CV

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to mention my Iqama on my CV?

If you are an expat already in Saudi Arabia, yes. State whether your Iqama is valid and transferable; it tells the employer you can be hired locally without a new visa.

Should Saudi nationals write their nationality on their CV?

Yes. Saudization quotas mean many employers actively look for Saudi nationals, so make it visible in the header.

Should my Saudi CV be in Arabic or English?

English is standard in the private sector. An Arabic version helps for government and semi-government employers.

Sources

Rules on visas and licensing change. Always confirm with the employer or the official authority before you apply.