CV Format Guide for Oman | How to Write a CV for Omani Jobs

CV vs Resume: Terminology in the Sultanate of Oman

In the Sultanate of Oman, the term "CV" (curriculum vitae) is the universal standard across all industries, government entities, and recruitment channels. Job postings on Bayt.com, GulfTalent, LinkedIn, and the National Centre for Employment (NCE) portal consistently request a CV. The Arabic equivalent "seera dhatiya" (السيرة الذاتية) appears in Arabic-language listings, particularly for government ministries and positions at state-owned enterprises. While the term "resume" is understood by multinational companies operating out of Muscat, using "CV" aligns with Omani expectations and is strongly recommended for all applications within the Sultanate.

Oman occupies a distinctive position within the GCC. With a population of approximately 5 million (of which roughly 40% are expatriates), Oman has a lower expatriate ratio than the UAE or Qatar but maintains a significant dependence on foreign talent in specialized sectors. Under the leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultanate has accelerated its economic transformation through Oman Vision 2040, the comprehensive national strategy that aims to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbon dependence and build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven future.

The Omani economy has historically been anchored by oil and gas, with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) — a joint venture between the Omani government (60%), Shell (34%), Total (4%), and Partex (2%) — serving as the country's largest employer and most influential economic entity. OQ (formerly Oman Oil Company and Orpic) is the state-owned integrated energy conglomerate with operations spanning upstream exploration, downstream refining, petrochemicals, and alternative energy. Beyond hydrocarbons, Vision 2040 is driving massive investment in tourism, logistics (leveraging Sohar Port and Freezone, Salalah Port, and the Special Economic Zone at Duqm), mining and minerals, fisheries and aquaculture, manufacturing, and information technology. These diversification efforts are generating new categories of employment that did not exist in Oman a decade ago.

What fundamentally distinguishes the Omani job market from its GCC neighbors is the Sultanate's emphasis on stability, courtesy, hierarchy, and relationship-driven business culture. Oman is widely regarded as the most hospitable and measured of the Gulf states, and its professional environment mirrors this reputation. Hiring processes tend to be thorough and personal, networking carries significant weight, and employers value candidates who demonstrate cultural sensitivity, patience, and a genuine interest in contributing to Oman's national development. CV expectations reflect this thoughtful, substance-over-style approach — Omani employers want depth, specificity, and evidence of professional commitment rather than flashy design or marketing-style self-promotion.

Two regulatory frameworks shape almost every hiring decision in Oman: Omanisation and the In-Country Value (ICV) programme. Omanisation, administered by the Ministry of Labour and the Public Authority for Manpower Register, mandates sector-specific quotas for hiring Omani nationals and reserves certain job categories exclusively for citizens. The ICV programme, critical for companies bidding on government and oil and gas contracts, requires demonstrable investment in local workforce development, local procurement, and Omani talent capacity-building. Together, these programmes fundamentally influence which roles are available to expatriates, what skills are in highest demand, and how you should position yourself on your CV. Understanding these dynamics is not optional — it is essential for anyone seeking employment in the Sultanate.

Standard CV Format & Structure

The reverse-chronological format is the accepted standard across Oman. Employers and recruiters universally expect to see your most recent role first, followed by previous positions in descending order. Functional or skills-based CV formats are not recommended for the Omani market, as hiring managers prefer a clear, uninterrupted timeline of career progression. Hybrid formats that combine a skills summary with chronological experience are marginally acceptable for career changers, but the chronological work history section must be complete and unambiguous.

A well-structured CV for the Omani market follows this section order:

1. Personal Information (with professional photo)
2. Professional Summary (3-5 lines)
3. Work Experience (reverse chronological)
4. Education & Qualifications
5. Professional Certifications & Training
6. Skills (technical and soft, categorized)
7. Languages
8. References (or "Available upon request")

The ideal length is 2-3 pages for mid-level professionals with 5-15 years of experience. Fresh graduates should aim for 1.5-2 pages, while senior executives and technical specialists with 15+ years of experience may extend to 3-4 pages. Unlike the US market where one-page resumes are the norm, Omani employers view a single page as insufficient detail, suggesting the candidate either lacks experience or has not invested adequate effort in their application. PDO, OQ, Bank Muscat, Omantel, and other major Omani employers process large volumes of applications and expect substantive documentation.

Use a clean, conservative layout with no visual embellishments beyond basic formatting. Oman's business culture is more formal and traditional than the UAE's, which means creative designs, colorful infographics, and modern layout experiments are rarely appropriate outside of marketing or graphic design roles. Standard fonts — Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman — at 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for section headings are the safest choices. Maintain consistent margins of 2-2.5cm on all sides and line spacing of 1.15-1.5 for readability.

Submit your CV as a PDF unless the employer specifically requests a Word document. Government entities including the Ministry of Labour, Royal Oman Police (ROP), and the Civil Service Bureau may have their own application portals with specific format requirements. PDO's recruitment portal, OQ's careers page, and Bank Muscat's online application system all accept PDF uploads. File naming matters: use "FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf" rather than generic names like "CV.pdf" or "resume_final_v3.docx." Recruiters at agencies like Antal International Oman, Clarendon Parker, Korn Ferry, and Gulf Recruitment Group handle hundreds of applications weekly, and a professionally named file signals attention to detail.

Personal Information Section

The personal information section on an Omani CV is more detailed than Western standards require. Oman's employment regulatory system — managed by the Ministry of Labour and the Royal Oman Police's immigration division — requires specific personal details for visa processing, labour card issuance, and Omanisation compliance verification. Including the following information is standard practice and expected by virtually all Omani employers:

• Full Name (as it appears on your passport or Omani national ID card)
• Professional Photo (passport-style, conservative business attire, white or neutral background)
• Nationality
• Date of Birth
• Marital Status (commonly included, more so than in the UAE or Bahrain)
• Visa / Residency Status (Employment Visa, Family Joining Visa, Investor Visa, Talent Residence Visa, Visit Visa)
• NOC Status (whether you have or can obtain a No Objection Certificate from your current employer)
• Contact Number (+968 Oman number strongly preferred)
• Email Address (professional)
• Location (Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Duqm, Nizwa, Sur, etc.)
• LinkedIn Profile URL

Regarding photos: Including a professional headshot is standard and expected in Oman. Government entities, oil and gas companies (PDO, OQ, Daleel Petroleum), banks (Bank Muscat, National Bank of Oman), telecom operators (Omantel, Ooredoo Oman), and local Omani businesses will all expect to see a photo. The photo should be recent, professionally taken, and show you in conservative business attire appropriate for Oman. Place it in the top-right or top-left corner of your CV, approximately passport-sized.

Nationality is critically important because of Oman's strict Omanisation requirements. Employers must immediately determine whether a role can legally be filled by an expatriate or is reserved for an Omani national. Stating your nationality upfront avoids wasted time for both parties and demonstrates that you understand the Sultanate's regulatory environment.

Visa status and NOC availability are among the most scrutinized details on any Omani CV. The No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a defining feature of Oman's labour market. To transfer sponsorship from one employer to another, the current employer must issue an NOC. Employers evaluating your CV will want to know immediately whether you can be released by your current sponsor. Clearly state one of the following:

• "Currently in Oman on Employment Visa — NOC available / transferable"
• "Family Joining Visa holder — no sponsorship required"
• "Talent Residence Visa holder — self-sponsored, no employer NOC needed"
• "Investor Visa holder — self-sponsored"
• "Available to relocate to Oman — will require employer visa sponsorship"
• "Omani National"

If you hold a Talent Residence Visa — Oman's relatively new long-term residency programme for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs — highlight this prominently. It reduces the employer's administrative burden and positions you as a committed, long-term presence in the Sultanate.

Marital status is more commonly included in Oman than in the UAE or Bahrain. Omani employers, particularly government entities and traditional local companies, expect this information. Family status can also affect benefits packages, housing allowances, and schooling allowances, which are standard components of Omani employment offers. Including it is recommended for all applications to Omani-owned companies and government roles.

Professional Summary Conventions

The professional summary appears immediately below your personal information and serves as your elevator pitch to the recruiter. In Oman's market, this section should be 3-5 lines and convey the following elements concisely:

• Total years of experience and primary area of expertise
• Oman or GCC-specific experience (critical for demonstrating local market knowledge)
• One or two key quantified achievements
• Relevant certifications or regulatory/technical knowledge
• Visa status and current location

Example for a petroleum engineer targeting PDO or OQ:

"Senior Petroleum Engineer with 12+ years of experience in upstream oil and gas operations across Oman and the wider GCC. Currently based in Muscat on a transferable employment visa with NOC available. Led Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) projects at PDO-operated fields in Block 6, increasing production by 18% and contributing to the company's ICV compliance targets. Expert in reservoir simulation (Eclipse, Petrel), well completion design, and HSE management systems. NEBOSH International Diploma certified with SPE membership. Fluent in English and Arabic."

Example for a banking professional targeting Bank Muscat or NBO:

"CFA-qualified Corporate Banking Manager with 9 years of experience in commercial lending, trade finance, and treasury operations in Oman. Grew the corporate loan portfolio from OMR 35 million to OMR 62 million at National Bank of Oman while maintaining an NPL ratio below 1.8%. Expert in CBO regulatory compliance, IFRS 9 implementation, and Islamic banking product structuring. Fluent in English and Arabic. Omani national based in Muscat."

Avoid generic statements such as "seeking a challenging opportunity" or "highly motivated team player." Omani recruiters, whether at PDO, Omantel, Bank Muscat, or at recruitment agencies like Antal International, want to see specific, quantified contributions that demonstrate your value. Your summary should answer three questions: what do you do, how effectively do you do it, and why should an Omani employer prioritize your application?

For Omani nationals, the summary should prominently and immediately mention your nationality: "Omani national with 6 years of experience in financial services and risk management..." This signals to the employer that hiring you directly contributes to their Omanisation compliance targets and may be favoured over equally qualified expatriate candidates.

Work Experience Formatting

The work experience section is the core of your Omani CV and should receive the most detailed attention. For each position, include:

• Job Title (use the exact title from your contract or HR records)
• Company Name (with a brief one-line description if the company is not well-known in Oman)
• Location (City, Country)
• Dates of Employment (Month/Year - Month/Year or "Present")
• 5-6 achievement-focused bullet points

Use the date format "Jan 2022 - Present" or "January 2022 - December 2024". Avoid purely numerical formats like 01/2022, which can be ambiguous across different date conventions.

Quantify achievements using Omani Rials (OMR) wherever relevant. The Omani Rial is one of the highest-value currencies in the world (pegged at approximately USD 2.60), so even moderate figures in OMR represent substantial values:

• "Managed a portfolio of government infrastructure projects valued at OMR 45 million for the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, delivering all milestones within budget and 3 weeks ahead of the contractual schedule."
• "Increased branch revenue by 28% (OMR 1.8 million annually) at Bank Muscat's Ruwi branch through a targeted cross-selling strategy for retail banking and wealth management products."
• "Reduced procurement costs by OMR 320,000 per annum at Galfar Engineering through renegotiation of vendor contracts and implementation of a centralized purchasing system aligned with ICV requirements."
• "Led the Omanisation initiative for the engineering division at Petrofac Oman, successfully recruiting, training, and mentoring 15 Omani graduate engineers over 24 months, achieving the 35% Omanisation target ahead of schedule."
• "Implemented Omantel's 5G network rollout across Muscat governorate, managing a OMR 8 million capital budget and coordinating with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) for spectrum licensing compliance."

For companies not widely recognized outside Oman, add a brief description: "Galfar Engineering & Contracting (Oman's largest engineering, construction, and maintenance company, listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange with annual revenue exceeding OMR 500 million)." Or: "Asyad Group (Oman's national logistics conglomerate, integrating Oman Shipping Company, Oman Drydock Company, and port operations across Sohar, Salalah, and Duqm)."

Employment gaps are noticed and questioned in Oman's conservative job market. If you had a career break, briefly explain it: "Career Break (Jan 2023 - Jun 2023): Completed NEBOSH International Diploma and relocated family to Oman." Education, family relocation, or personal health are all accepted reasons, but unexplained gaps can lead to your CV being deprioritized.

If your experience includes contributions to ICV (In-Country Value) targets, mention them explicitly. ICV is a major priority for employers in oil and gas, infrastructure, and any sector that interfaces with government contracts. Examples: "Contributed to the company's ICV score improvement from 22% to 38% by developing partnerships with 12 Omani-registered suppliers and hiring 8 Omani technicians for the maintenance team." This single bullet point can differentiate you from dozens of otherwise similar candidates.

Education & Qualifications

For each qualification, include the full degree name, institution, location, and year of completion. Oman requires degree attestation through the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation for all foreign qualifications. The attestation process involves verification by the issuing country's authorities, the Omani Embassy in that country, and finally the Omani Ministry. While you do not need to mention attestation status on your CV, be aware that employers will request attested copies during the formal offer stage. Starting the attestation process before arriving in Oman can significantly expedite your hiring.

Omani institutions with strong local recognition include:

• Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) — Oman's premier national university, consistently ranked among the top universities in the Arab world
• German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) — strong reputation in engineering and applied sciences
• University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) — formerly the Colleges of Technology network, with campuses across the Sultanate
• Middle East College — affiliated with Coventry University (UK)
• Dhofar University — prominent in the southern governorates
• University of Nizwa — growing reputation in business and education programmes
• Caledonian College of Engineering — affiliated with Glasgow Caledonian University (UK)

For international degrees, add context for Omani employers who may not be familiar with every institution: "University of Manchester (Russell Group university, UK Top 10, QS World Ranking #28)" or "Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (India's top engineering institution, QS World Ranking #118)."

Professional certifications carry exceptional weight in Oman, particularly in the oil and gas, engineering, and financial services sectors:

• NEBOSH IGC / International Diploma — Essential baseline for HSE roles across oil and gas, construction, and industrial operations. PDO, OQ, Daleel Petroleum, and their contractors require NEBOSH certification for virtually all HSE positions.
• OPAL HSE Card — The Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL) HSE certification, specifically required for many energy sector roles within Oman.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) — Highly valued across all industries. PDO, Oman Rail, Duqm SEZAD, and major construction firms (Galfar, Al Turki Enterprises) value PMP certification for project-focused roles.
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) — Valued for investment, treasury, and risk management roles at Bank Muscat, National Bank of Oman (NBO), BankDhofar, and the Capital Market Authority (CMA).
• ACCA / CPA / CMA — Essential for accounting and audit roles, particularly at the Big Four firms (Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG) operating in Oman.
• CSWIP / AWS Welding Inspector — Required for QA/QC and welding inspection roles in oil and gas fabrication and construction.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) / Professional Engineer (PE) — Valuable for senior engineering roles, especially those requiring registration with the Oman Society of Engineers.
• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) — Growing value for procurement and supply chain roles, which are significant in Oman given ICV programme requirements for local procurement.
• CISSP / CEH — Increasing demand as Oman invests in cybersecurity through the Information Technology Authority (ITA) and the National Cyber Security Centre.

Language Section

Oman's linguistic environment reflects its status as an Arab nation with a multilingual expatriate workforce and deep historical trading connections:

• Arabic: The official language of the Sultanate. Required for government positions, essential for client-facing roles in banking, healthcare, education, and retail, and a major competitive advantage in nearly all sectors. Omani Arabic has its own distinct dialect that differs from the Gulf Arabic spoken in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar. If you have specific experience with or exposure to Omani dialect, note this. Government ministries, the Royal Oman Police, courts, and municipal authorities operate predominantly in Arabic.
• English: The primary language of business in oil and gas, banking, technology, tourism, and multinational companies. PDO, OQ, Oman LNG, and international service companies operate in English as the working language. Required for most professional roles in the private sector.
• Hindi / Urdu: Widely spoken among the South Asian expatriate community, which constitutes a significant portion of Oman's workforce. Useful in construction management, retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.
• Swahili: Oman has centuries-old historical connections with East Africa, particularly Zanzibar (which was ruled by Omani sultans until 1964). A notable segment of Oman's population has East African heritage. Swahili can be valuable in trade, cultural, and community-engagement contexts.
• Balochi: Spoken by the Balochi community, one of Oman's largest minority groups. Relevant for community-focused roles and certain government services.
• Malayalam / Tamil / Tagalog: Significant Indian (Kerala, Tamil Nadu) and Filipino communities reside in Oman. These languages are useful in healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality management.

Use clear proficiency labels: Native, Fluent, Professional Working Proficiency, Intermediate, or Basic. IELTS or TOEFL scores can be included if relevant, particularly for roles that require demonstrable English proficiency. If you have completed formal Arabic language courses at Sultan Qaboos University, the Muscat Language Centre, or any recognized institution, include this — it demonstrates investment in integrating into Omani society.

Bilingual professionals (English-Arabic) command premium compensation in Oman. For roles at Omantel, Ooredoo Oman, Oman Air, Bank Muscat, National Bank of Oman, and any government-facing position, Arabic fluency is either mandatory or a decisive differentiator. Even basic conversational Arabic is worth listing, as it signals cultural respect and willingness to engage with local colleagues and clients.

ATS Systems in Oman

Applicant Tracking Systems are increasingly prevalent among Oman's larger employers, though adoption remains uneven across the market. Understanding which employers use ATS and how to optimize for their systems is essential for getting your CV past the initial automated screening.

The most common ATS platforms and recruitment systems in Oman include:

• Oracle Taleo — Used by PDO and several government ministries for managing high-volume recruitment
• SAP SuccessFactors — Adopted by OQ Group, Omantel, Bank Muscat, and large Omani conglomerates for integrated HR and talent management
• Workday — Used by multinational companies with significant Oman operations (Shell, BP, Schlumberger)
• BambooHR — Growing adoption among mid-sized Omani companies and service firms
• Government recruitment portals — The National Centre for Employment (NCE) operates its own system for matching Omani nationals with private-sector opportunities. The Royal Oman Police and Civil Service Bureau have separate application systems for security and government positions.

To maximize your chances of passing ATS screening in Oman:

1. Use standard section headings: "Work Experience," "Education," "Professional Certifications," "Skills" — not creative alternatives like "My Career Story" or "Professional Highlights."
2. Avoid tables, text boxes, and complex multi-column layouts: ATS platforms read content sequentially from left to right, top to bottom. Tables and columns can scramble the content order, causing critical information to be parsed incorrectly or missed entirely.
3. Do not embed important information in headers or footers: Many ATS platforms skip header and footer content. Your name, contact details, and key information should be in the main body of the document.
4. Use standard, widely-supported fonts: Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Decorative, uncommon, or locally installed fonts may not render correctly in ATS parsers.
5. Mirror keywords from the job description: If the posting mentions "Omanisation," "ICV compliance," "NEBOSH," "PDO standards," or specific software (Petrel, Eclipse, SAP FICO), ensure these exact terms appear in your CV. ATS systems rank candidates based on keyword density and relevance.
6. Write out acronyms fully at least once: "Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)," "In-Country Value (ICV)," "Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)" — this ensures the ATS captures both the full term and the abbreviation.
7. Submit in the requested format: PDF is generally safe and preserves formatting, but verify the specific portal's requirements. Some government and semi-government portals in Oman may require Word (.docx) format.

Despite growing ATS adoption at large employers, personal connections and networking remain profoundly important in Oman's job market. The Omani professional community is relatively compact, and personal referrals carry exceptional weight. Attending industry events organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the Oman Society of Engineers, the Oman American Business Council, or sector-specific conferences at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) can provide direct access to decision-makers that no ATS optimization can replicate.

Design & Formatting Guidelines

Oman's business culture is conservative, formal, and substance-driven, and your CV design should reflect these values. The Sultanate prioritizes professionalism and understatement over visual flair. Follow these guidelines:

• Color palette: White or light background with minimal accent colors. Dark green (reflecting the Omani national flag) or deep red (the Khanjar and sword emblem) are culturally appropriate accents. Navy blue and dark grey are universally safe. Avoid bright, neon, or overly vibrant colors.
• Font: Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Use 10-12pt for body text, 14-16pt for section headings. Maintain absolute consistency in font usage throughout the document.
• Layout: Single-column layouts are the safest, most ATS-friendly, and most aligned with Omani expectations. A clean two-column layout is acceptable only for the header/personal information section.
• Margins: 2-2.5cm on all sides. Resist the temptation to reduce margins to squeeze in more content — readability and white space are valued by Omani hiring managers.
• Spacing: Consistent line spacing (1.15-1.5) with clear section dividers. Use horizontal rules or increased spacing between sections, but avoid decorative elements.
• File format: PDF for most applications; Word (.docx) only if specifically requested by the employer or portal.
• File name: FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf — always. Never "CV.pdf" or "resume_updated_final.docx."

For government and semi-government roles (ministries, the Royal Oman Police, authorities, state-owned enterprises), extremely conservative formatting is expected. Plain black text on white background with clear hierarchy and zero visual embellishments.

For oil and gas roles at PDO, OQ, Daleel Petroleum, Oman LNG, or their service companies (Schlumberger, Halliburton, Petrofac, Wood, Worley), clean professional formatting is the standard. These organizations process high volumes of applications and prioritize content clarity over design aesthetics.

For banking and financial services at Bank Muscat, National Bank of Oman, BankDhofar, Ahli Bank, Bank Sohar, or Oman Arab Bank, professional formatting with minimal accent colour is acceptable. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) and Central Bank of Oman (CBO) expect conservative presentation.

For technology and startup roles, particularly at companies within Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) or those backed by the Oman Technology Fund, moderately modern designs are acceptable. However, even in Oman's tech sector, employers tend to be more conservative than their UAE counterparts.

Avoid infographics, skill bars, progress circles, or pie charts to represent proficiency levels. These visual elements are subjective (what does "80% proficiency in Python" mean?), ATS-unfriendly (they cannot be parsed as text), and inconsistent with Oman's professional culture. Use descriptive labels: "Expert," "Advanced," "Intermediate," "Basic."

Omanisation & the ICV Programme

Omanisation is the Sultanate of Oman's flagship nationalization policy, one of the most systematically structured and rigorously enforced workforce nationalization programmes in the GCC. Administered by the Ministry of Labour and supported by the Public Authority for Manpower Register, Omanisation directly shapes every hiring decision made by every employer operating in the Sultanate.

Key features of Omanisation:

• Sector-specific quotas: The Ministry of Labour sets minimum Omanisation percentages for each industry sector, reviewed and typically increased annually. Banking and financial services have among the highest quotas (often 70-90% for certain role categories). Telecommunications (Omantel, Ooredoo) must meet approximately 80%+ targets. Oil and gas, government services, insurance, and education all have specific requirements. Construction, hospitality, and certain technical sectors have lower but steadily increasing targets.
• Job category restrictions: Certain job categories are reserved exclusively for Omani nationals. Roles in human resources, government relations (PRO), reception, certain administrative functions, and security are typically 100% Omanised, meaning expatriates cannot be legally employed in these positions regardless of qualifications.
• National Centre for Employment (NCE): The NCE (formerly the National Employment Centre) serves as a centralized database connecting Omani job seekers with private-sector vacancies. Companies must register vacancies with the NCE and demonstrate that no qualified Omani candidate is available before receiving approval to hire an expatriate for positions above certain Omanisation thresholds. This is not a formality — the Ministry of Labour actively enforces this requirement.
• Sanad programme: The government's unemployment support and employment facilitation programme that provides Omani nationals with job search assistance, training subsidies, and wage support during their initial months in private-sector employment.
• Enforcement and penalties: The Ministry of Labour conducts regular workplace inspections and reviews company-level Omanisation data. Companies that fail to meet their Omanisation targets face suspension of new work visa issuance for expatriates, monetary fines, restrictions on government contract eligibility, and in severe cases, temporary operational restrictions. These penalties create strong, concrete incentives for compliance.

The In-Country Value (ICV) Programme adds a critical additional dimension. Modeled partly on Abu Dhabi's ICV system, Oman's ICV programme applies primarily to companies bidding for government contracts and oil and gas tenders. Companies must demonstrate a minimum ICV score, which is calculated based on three pillars:

• Local workforce: Percentage of Omani employees, investment in Omani staff training and development, wage bill allocated to Omani workers.
• Local procurement: Percentage of goods and services sourced from Omani-registered suppliers.
• Capital investment in Oman: Physical infrastructure, technology, and operational investment within the Sultanate.

Companies with higher ICV scores receive preferential treatment in tender evaluations. This creates a direct financial incentive for employers to hire and develop Omani talent, source locally, and invest in-country. For expatriate job seekers, this means that demonstrating your contribution to ICV targets is not a minor detail — it can be a decisive factor in your candidacy. If you have experience developing local suppliers, training Omani staff, increasing local procurement percentages, or otherwise improving a company's ICV score, feature this prominently on your CV.

For expatriate job seekers, Omanisation and ICV have several practical implications:

• Research restricted roles before applying: Verify that the position you are targeting is legally open to expatriates. The Ministry of Labour's website and the NCE portal provide guidance on reserved and restricted job categories.
• Emphasize unique, specialized value: Roles requiring niche technical expertise, international certifications, or extensive specialized experience that is not yet readily available in the Omani talent pool remain accessible to expatriates. Your CV should articulate clearly and specifically what unique value you bring that an Omani national cannot yet provide.
• Highlight knowledge transfer and mentoring: This is not a nice-to-have; it is an expectation. Major employers like PDO, OQ, and Bank Muscat have formal national development programmes for Omani graduates. If you have experience mentoring Omani staff, managing graduate training programmes, or facilitating knowledge transfer, dedicate specific bullet points to these contributions.
• Reference ICV contributions explicitly: If you have contributed to a company's ICV score — through local hiring, supplier development, training investments, or operational localization — quantify and highlight these achievements.

For Omani nationals, your CV should leverage your nationality as a strategic advantage:

• State "Omani National" prominently in your personal information section and professional summary
• Mention registration with the Public Authority for Manpower Register
• Reference any training or development completed through Sanad, NCE programmes, PDO's National Development Programme, or sector-specific government initiatives
• Highlight qualifications from Omani institutions, especially Sultan Qaboos University and UTAS

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on feedback from Oman-based recruiters, HR managers at major employers including PDO, Bank Muscat, and Omantel, and hiring trends across the Sultanate, these are the most damaging CV mistakes to avoid:

1. Applying for Omanised roles as an expatriate: This wastes your time and the employer's. Research the Omanisation status of the position before applying. The Ministry of Labour's guidance and the NCE portal provide information on restricted job categories. Roles in HR, government relations (PRO), reception, and certain administrative functions are typically reserved for Omani nationals.
2. Omitting your photo: The absence of a professional photo is immediately noticeable on an Omani CV. Government entities, oil and gas companies, banks, and local firms expect one. Include a recent, professional headshot in conservative business attire.
3. Not stating visa status and NOC availability: This is often the first detail Omani recruiters check. "Currently on employment visa — NOC available" versus "residing outside Oman" creates fundamentally different hiring timelines and costs. Be transparent and specific about your visa situation.
4. Using a one-page CV: Oman's market expects 2-3 pages of substantive, detailed content. A single page suggests either insufficient experience or inadequate effort. Even fresh graduates should aim for at least 1.5 pages.
5. Generic professional summaries: "Seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization" communicates nothing to an Omani hiring manager processing hundreds of applications. Replace with specific achievements, Oman-relevant expertise, and quantified contributions.
6. Neglecting ICV relevance: If you work in oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, or any sector that interfaces with government contracts, failing to mention ICV awareness or contributions is a significant missed opportunity. ICV is a strategic priority across these industries.
7. Including salary information: Never include current or expected salary on your CV. In Oman, where compensation packages commonly include base salary, housing allowance, transport allowance, annual airfare, medical insurance, and children's education allowance, salary is a complex negotiation best conducted during the offer stage.
8. Unexplained employment gaps: Omani employers are conservative and may view unexplained gaps with suspicion. If you had a career break, briefly note the reason — education, family relocation, health, or even end-of-contract visa processing are all understood and accepted.
9. Not tailoring for Oman specifically: A generic "GCC CV" without Oman-specific references will underperform. Mention Omani companies (PDO, OQ, Omantel, Bank Muscat), regulatory bodies (Ministry of Labour, CBO, CMA, Public Authority for Manpower Register), and local context (Oman Vision 2040, ICV, Duqm). Demonstrate that you understand the Sultanate specifically, not just the broader Gulf region.
10. Overlooking Arabic language skills: Even basic Arabic proficiency should be listed. Arabic is the official language and is required or strongly preferred for a significant number of roles. If you have no Arabic capability, consider noting your willingness to learn — this signals cultural respect.

Industry-Specific Tips

Oil & Gas

Oil and gas remains Oman's largest and most influential industry. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is the single most important employer, producing approximately 70% of the country's crude oil. PDO's major operational areas include Block 6 (interior desert fields including Yibal, Lekhwair, Fahud, and the Southern Oman cluster) and the massive Yibal Khuff development. Other major operators include OQ Group (integrated energy company with upstream, downstream, and alternative energy operations), Daleel Petroleum, CC Energy Development (CCED), Occidental Oman (Block 53 and 62), and BP Oman (Block 61, the massive Khazzan tight gas development). Service companies with major Oman operations include Schlumberger, Halliburton, Petrofac, Wood, Worley, and Hunting. The Duqm Refinery (an OQ-Kuwait Petroleum International joint venture) and Oman LNG are also significant employers.

For oil and gas CVs in Oman:

• Include HSE certifications: NEBOSH IGC (minimum), NEBOSH International Diploma (preferred), OPAL HSE Card, IOSH Managing Safely
• Specify field and block experience: Block 6, Block 61 (Khazzan), Yibal, Lekhwair, Fahud, Nimr, Marmul — Omani recruiters know these names and they immediately establish your credibility
• Reference ICV compliance contributions explicitly, with percentages and specific initiatives
• Quantify project values in OMR or USD
• Mention familiarity with PDO's Contractor HSE Management System (CHSEMS) and PDO engineering standards
• Note EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) experience — Oman is a global leader in thermal EOR (steam injection) and chemical EOR (polymer flooding) for mature fields, and this expertise is in high demand
• Include SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) membership and any technical paper presentations
• Mention OPAL (Oman Society for Petroleum Services) membership or familiarity

Banking & Financial Services

Oman's banking sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) and the Capital Market Authority (CMA). Major employers include Bank Muscat (Oman's largest bank by assets, market capitalization, and branch network), National Bank of Oman (NBO), BankDhofar, Ahli Bank, Bank Sohar (now Sohar International Bank), and Oman Arab Bank. Islamic banking is a growing segment with Bank Nizwa (Oman's first full Islamic bank), Al Izz Islamic Bank (now Alizz Islamic Bank), and Islamic banking windows at conventional banks.

• Mention CBO regulatory framework knowledge and compliance experience
• Include CMA Oman familiarity for capital markets and securities roles
• Reference IFRS and AAOIFI standards for Islamic banking positions
• Quantify portfolio sizes, revenue contributions, and risk metrics in OMR
• Highlight AML/CFT compliance experience (CAMS certification is highly valued)
• Note experience with the Oman Credit Information Bureau or Muscat Clearing & Depository (MCD)
• Mention knowledge of Oman's VAT framework (implemented April 2021) for finance roles

Telecommunications & Technology

Omantel (the national telecom operator, approximately 70% government-owned, listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange) and Ooredoo Oman are the two primary employers in telecom. Oman's Information Technology Authority (ITA) drives digital transformation across government services, and the National Cyber Security Centre oversees cybersecurity standards.

• Highlight 5G deployment, network infrastructure, and fibre optic rollout experience
• Mention Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) compliance knowledge
• Include certifications: CCNA, CCNP, ITIL, AWS, Azure, GCP
• Reference experience with e-government initiatives or digital Oman projects
• Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) and Oman Technology Fund are key players in the startup ecosystem — mention any connections

Construction & Infrastructure

Major construction companies include Galfar Engineering & Contracting (Oman's largest), Al Turki Enterprises, Larsen & Toubro Oman, Al Hassan Engineering, Douglas OHI, and Target Engineering Construction. Mega-projects include the Duqm Special Economic Zone development, Oman Rail (national railway network), highway expansions, and tourism infrastructure.

• Specify project values and scale in OMR or USD
• Include FIDIC contract experience (Red Book and Yellow Book)
• Reference familiarity with Omani building codes and municipal regulations
• Mention Duqm projects specifically if applicable — this is a national strategic priority
• Note CSWIP, AWS welding, and QA/QC certifications
• Highlight experience with Asyad Group logistics infrastructure projects if relevant

Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism is a core pillar of Oman Vision 2040. Major employers include Oman Air (national carrier), Oman Airports Management Company, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Al Bustan Palace (Ritz-Carlton), Kempinski Hotel Muscat, W Muscat, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, and emerging eco-tourism and adventure tourism operators in Salalah (famous for the annual Khareef monsoon season), Jebel Akhdar, Wahiba Sands, and Musandam.

• Highlight multiple language skills, especially Arabic and European languages
• Include luxury hospitality, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism experience — all growth areas aligned with Oman's strategy
• Reference knowledge of Ministry of Heritage and Tourism standards and regulations
• Mention guest satisfaction scores, RevPAR improvements, and brand standards compliance
• Pre-opening hotel experience is particularly valued given the number of new hospitality developments

Healthcare

Oman's healthcare system operates under the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the emerging Oman Health Authority. The Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) oversees specialty medical training. Private healthcare employers include Aster DM Healthcare, Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, Muscat Private Hospital, and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Military medical facilities and the Diwan of Royal Court hospitals also employ healthcare professionals.

• Include MOH Oman licensing status or eligibility, and Prometric exam completion
• Specify OMSB registration or specialty board certification
• Include clinical specializations, patient volumes, and procedure counts
• Mention Dataflow verification status if applicable
• Reference familiarity with Oman's healthcare regulatory framework and MOH reporting requirements

Mining & Minerals

Mining is an emerging strategic sector under Oman Vision 2040. The Public Authority for Mining regulates the sector. Major operations include Vale Oman (iron ore pelletizing plant in Sohar), chromite extraction, copper mining (building on Oman's ancient copper mining heritage), gypsum, limestone, and marble quarrying. The government has identified mining as a key diversification lever.

• Include mining-specific certifications and safety training
• Reference Public Authority for Mining regulatory knowledge
• Mention environmental impact assessment experience relevant to Omani regulations
• Highlight geological expertise and familiarity with Oman's mineral resources

Logistics & Special Economic Zones

Asyad Group (Oman's national logistics conglomerate, integrating Oman Shipping Company, Oman Drydock Company, and multiple port and logistics operations) is a major employer. Sohar Port and Freezone, Salalah Free Zone, and the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) are transforming Oman into a regional logistics hub.

• Emphasize supply chain management, port operations, and customs compliance experience
• Reference OPAZ (Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones) regulatory knowledge
• Mention experience with Duqm developments specifically — this zone alone is attracting over USD 10 billion in investment
• Include CILT or CIPS certifications for logistics and procurement roles

Premium Oman CV Template

This template is specifically tailored for the Sultanate of Oman's job market, reflecting its emphasis on Omanisation compliance, ICV programme requirements, oil and gas sector dominance, and the Sultanate's conservative yet professional business culture.

Header & Personal Information

[PROFESSIONAL PHOTO]                [YOUR FULL NAME (as per passport / Omani national ID)]
                                    [Target Job Title | Years of Experience]
                                    Muscat, Oman | +968 XXXX XXXX
                                    [email protected]
                                    linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

                                    Nationality: [Your Nationality]
                                    Visa Status: [Employment Visa (NOC Available) / Family Joining Visa / Omani National]
                                    Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
                                    Marital Status: [Single / Married]

Professional Summary

Optimize for Oman's market with this formula:

[Title] with [X] years of experience in [function/industry] in Oman and [other regions]. [Quantified achievement relevant to the Omani market, ideally in OMR]. [Core expertise with Oman-specific regulatory, ICV, or industry knowledge]. [Key certifications]. [Language skills]. Based in [City] on [visa status with NOC detail].

Example for a project engineer in oil and gas:

Senior Project Engineer with 10+ years of experience in upstream oil and gas EPC project management across Oman and the Middle East. Currently based in Muscat on a transferable employment visa with NOC available. Managed the OMR 22 million Yibal Khuff facilities upgrade project for PDO Block 6, delivering 6 weeks ahead of schedule with zero LTIs across 1.8 million man-hours. Expert in project controls (Primavera P6, MS Project), FEED management, and PDO CHSEMS compliance. Contributed to company ICV score improvement from 25% to 41% through local supplier development and Omani graduate recruitment. NEBOSH International Diploma and PMP certified. Fluent in English with professional working proficiency in Arabic.

Example for an Omani banking professional:

Omani national and CFA-qualified Investment Analyst with 5 years of experience in portfolio management and equity research at Bank Muscat's wealth management division. Managed discretionary portfolios totalling OMR 28 million with consistent outperformance of the MSX30 index benchmark. Expert in CBO regulatory compliance, Muscat Securities Market analysis, and fixed-income valuation. Proficient in Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet, and advanced financial modelling. Fluent in Arabic and English.

Work Experience Section

For each role, follow this structure with 5-6 achievement-focused bullet points:

[JOB TITLE]                                           [Month Year] - [Month Year / Present]
[Company Name] - [Brief company description]           [City, Oman / Country]

* [Achievement quantified in OMR or percentage]
* [Omanisation contribution or ICV impact]
* [Technical or operational accomplishment]
* [Team leadership or stakeholder management]
* [HSE or regulatory compliance achievement]
* [Process improvement or cost reduction]

Power verbs for Oman CVs: Spearheaded, Managed, Delivered, Optimized, Implemented, Coordinated, Negotiated, Developed, Established, Supervised, Mentored, Achieved, Streamlined, Secured.

Example entry for an oil and gas professional:

SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER                                 Mar 2021 - Present
Petrofac Oman (International energy services company    Muscat, Oman
with major PDO and OQ contracts across the Sultanate)

* Managed the OMR 22 million Yibal Khuff facilities upgrade project
  for PDO Block 6, delivering all phases 6 weeks ahead of the
  contractual milestone schedule with zero Lost Time Injuries (LTIs)
  across 1.8 million man-hours worked
* Led a multidisciplinary team of 35 engineers and technicians across
  mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and civil disciplines,
  coordinating with PDO's project management consultants
* Developed and maintained the project ICV plan, achieving a score of
  41% against a target of 35%, including procurement of OMR 3.8 million
  from 12 Omani-registered suppliers in Muscat and Sohar
* Recruited and mentored 8 Omani graduate engineers through the
  company's Omanisation development programme, achieving 100% retention
  over 18 months with all participants passing competency assessments
* Implemented risk-based inspection methodology that reduced unplanned
  equipment downtime by 32% across the project lifecycle
* Negotiated change orders totalling OMR 1.4 million with the client,
  successfully recovering 92% of contested scope variations through
  documented FIDIC contractual claims

Example entry for a banking professional:

CORPORATE BANKING RELATIONSHIP MANAGER                  Jul 2020 - Present
Bank Muscat (Oman's largest bank by assets, market      Muscat, Oman
capitalization, and branch network; listed on MSX)

* Managed a corporate lending portfolio of OMR 85 million across 28
  accounts spanning oil and gas services, construction, and logistics,
  maintaining an NPL ratio of 0.9% against a sector average of 2.4%
* Originated OMR 32 million in new credit facilities during FY2024,
  exceeding annual target by 18% and ranking #2 among 15 RMs nationally
* Structured and executed Oman's first sustainability-linked loan for
  a renewable energy developer, valued at OMR 12 million with ESG-tied
  margin adjustments
* Led the digital onboarding pilot for corporate clients, reducing
  account opening time from 14 days to 4 days and achieving a 94%
  client satisfaction score
* Mentored 3 Omani graduate trainees through Bank Muscat's national
  development programme, conducting weekly training sessions on credit
  analysis and relationship management

Education Section

[DEGREE]                                               [Year]
[University]                                           [City, Country]
[Relevant details: honours, GPA, relevant coursework]

Example:
BSc Mechanical Engineering                              2012
Sultan Qaboos University                               Muscat, Oman
First Class Honours | Dean's List | Senior Project: Corrosion
Management in Omani Oil Field Infrastructure

MSc Project Management                                  2016
Heriot-Watt University (Dubai Campus)                   Dubai, UAE
Distinction | Thesis: Risk Management in GCC Oil & Gas EPC Projects

Professional Certifications

* NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety - 2020
* NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) - 2017
* Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI, 2018
* OPAL HSE Card (Oman) - Current
* Lead Auditor ISO 45001:2018 - IRCA, 2019
* Primavera P6 Professional Certified - Oracle, 2017
* SPE Member since 2013

Skills Section

Organize into categories relevant to Oman's market:

Technical:        Primavera P6 | MS Project | AutoCAD | AVEVA E3D
                  SAP PS/PM | Risk Register Management
                  EPC Project Controls | FEED Management

Industry:         PDO CHSEMS Compliance | PDO Engineering Standards
                  ICV Planning, Reporting & Optimization
                  Omanisation Development Programmes
                  FIDIC Contract Administration (Red & Yellow Book)
                  OPAL Framework | MOG Standards

Leadership:       Cross-cultural Team Management (15+ nationalities)
                  Client & PMC Stakeholder Engagement
                  Omani Graduate Engineer Mentoring
                  HSE Leadership & Behavioural Safety Programmes

Languages Section

English    - Fluent (IELTS 8.0)
Arabic     - Professional Working Proficiency
             (completed SQU Language Centre programme)
Hindi      - Native
Urdu       - Conversational

References

"Available upon request" is acceptable in Oman, or provide two references:

[Name] | [Title] | [Company] | [Email] | [Phone with +968 code]
[Name] | [Title] | [Company] | [Email] | [Phone with +968 code]

Pre-Submission Checklist for Oman Applications

• Professional photo included (recent, formal, conservative business attire, neutral background)
• Nationality stated clearly and prominently
• Visa status and NOC availability explicitly stated
• Marital status included (recommended for government and local company applications)
• Achievements quantified in OMR where applicable
• ICV contributions highlighted for oil and gas, construction, and government-facing roles
• Omanisation contributions mentioned (mentoring, local hiring, training programmes)
• HSE certifications listed with issuing body and year (NEBOSH, OPAL, IOSH)
• Arabic language proficiency noted (even if basic or conversational)
• All section headings use standard ATS-friendly terminology
• No tables, text boxes, infographics, or complex layouts that could confuse ATS parsers
• Contact number includes +968 Oman country code
• File saved as PDF: FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf
• LinkedIn profile URL included and profile content matches CV
• Total length: 2-3 pages (up to 4 for senior executives with extensive project lists)
• Keywords from job posting naturally incorporated throughout the document
• Degree attestation process initiated if qualifications are from abroad