CV Format for Saudi Arabia: Complete Guide to Resume Standards

CV vs Resume: Terminology in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the term "CV" (curriculum vitae) is overwhelmingly preferred over "resume." Job postings across all sectors, from multinational oil companies to local family-owned businesses, request a CV. The Arabic term "seera dhatiya" (السيرة الذاتية) is used in Arabic-language postings and carries the same meaning. For bilingual roles or government positions, you may be asked to submit your CV in both English and Arabic.

The Saudi job market is undergoing a historic transformation driven by Vision 2030, the Kingdom's ambitious economic diversification plan championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This transformation has created unprecedented demand for skilled professionals across new sectors such as entertainment (MDLBEAST, Red Sea Film Festival), tourism (NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Al-Ula), technology (LEAP conference ecosystem), and sports (Saudi Pro League, esports). Understanding how to present your qualifications for this rapidly evolving market is essential.

Saudi Arabia's workforce includes approximately 13 million expatriates alongside a growing cohort of young Saudi professionals entering the labor market. This creates a competitive landscape where your CV must clearly demonstrate why you are the right candidate. The Nitaqat (Saudization) program adds a layer of complexity, as companies face quotas for hiring Saudi nationals, meaning expatriate candidates must demonstrate unique value that cannot be easily sourced locally.

The Kingdom's major employers span government ministries, state-owned enterprises like Saudi Aramco (the world's most valuable company), SABIC, and Saudi Telecom Company (stc), as well as massive private conglomerates like Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ), Bin Laden Group, Al Rajhi Holding, and ACWA Power. Each of these organizations has distinct hiring practices, but certain CV standards apply universally across the Saudi market.

Standard CV Format & Structure

The reverse-chronological format is the standard in Saudi Arabia. Recruiters and hiring managers expect to see your most recent experience first, followed by progressively earlier positions. Functional or skills-based CVs are uncommon and may be viewed with suspicion, as they can appear to hide gaps or job-hopping.

The recommended section order for a Saudi CV is:

1. Personal Information (with photo)
2. Professional Summary / Career Objective
3. Work Experience (reverse chronological)
4. Education & Qualifications
5. Professional Certifications
6. Skills (technical and interpersonal)
7. Languages
8. Training & Courses
9. References

The expected length is 2-3 pages for most professionals. Saudi employers prefer comprehensive detail, especially for senior roles. Executive-level candidates at organizations like Saudi Aramco, NEOM, or the Public Investment Fund (PIF) may submit CVs of 3-4 pages. Fresh graduates should aim for 1-2 pages.

Submit your CV as a PDF for private sector roles. Some government entities and the Jadarat employment platform may require specific formats. Always check the application instructions. Use A4 paper size formatting (not US Letter), as this is the standard in Saudi Arabia.

Personal Information Section

The personal information section of a Saudi CV is more extensive than in Western markets. The following details are expected:

• Full Name (as per passport or Iqama)
• Professional Photo (formal, business attire, white background)
• Nationality
• Date of Birth
• Marital Status (more commonly included in KSA than other GCC countries)
• Iqama/Residency Status (for residents) or Visa Status (for candidates abroad)
• Contact Number (+966 Saudi number preferred)
• Email Address
• City of Residence (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, etc.)
• LinkedIn Profile

Photos are expected on Saudi CVs. Both male and female candidates should include a professional headshot. For men, wearing a thobe and ghutra is acceptable if that is your cultural norm; Western business attire is equally appropriate. For women, a professional photo with or without hijab is fine - the important thing is that it looks professional.

Your Iqama (residency permit) status is critically important. If you are currently a resident in Saudi Arabia, state: "Valid Iqama - Transferable" or "Iqama under [current employer name] - transferable upon offer." Since the introduction of the Labor Mobility Initiative allowing employees to transfer between employers without requiring the current employer's consent (in specific cases), mentioning your Iqama transferability is a strong signal to employers.

If you hold Premium Residency (the Saudi equivalent of a permanent residency), this is a major advantage and should be highlighted prominently. Premium Residency holders do not need employer sponsorship, making them highly attractive candidates.

Including your marital status is more common in Saudi Arabia than in other GCC countries. While not mandatory, many Saudi employers and recruitment agencies expect to see it, particularly because family visa sponsorship and housing allowances are factored into compensation packages.

Professional Summary Conventions

Your professional summary should be 4-6 lines and address the Saudi employer's key concerns: your expertise, GCC/KSA experience, measurable achievements, and availability. Saudi employers place a premium on candidates who understand the local business environment and cultural context.

A strong example for a project manager targeting Saudi roles:

"PMP-certified Project Manager with 12 years of experience delivering large-scale infrastructure and construction projects across Saudi Arabia and the GCC, valued at over SAR 2 billion combined. Currently based in Riyadh with a valid, transferable Iqama. Successfully delivered 6 projects for Saudi Aramco's Capital Projects division, including a 450,000 sq ft industrial facility completed 3 months ahead of schedule. Expertise in PMO setup, contractor management, and compliance with Saudi Building Code. Fluent in English and Arabic."

For Saudi national candidates, mentioning your Saudi nationality early in the summary is advantageous, as many companies actively seek to meet their Nitaqat quotas. Example: "Saudi national with 5 years of experience in digital marketing..."

Avoid vague language. Saudi recruiters at firms like BAJ Recruitment, Jaidah Group, or in-house talent teams at NEOM or Diriyah Gate review hundreds of CVs daily. Your summary must immediately communicate your value proposition.

Work Experience Formatting

For each role in your work experience section, include:

• Job Title (use the exact title on your Iqama/employment contract for KSA roles)
• Company Name with a brief description
• Location (City, Country)
• Employment Period (Month/Year - Month/Year)
• 5-7 bullet points of achievements and responsibilities

Saudi employers value quantified achievements. Use Saudi Riyals (SAR) for financial metrics when describing Saudi-based accomplishments:

• "Managed a project portfolio valued at SAR 850M for the Ministry of Housing's Sakani program."
• "Increased regional sales by 42% (SAR 15M) within 18 months by expanding distribution into the Southern region."
• "Reduced procurement costs by SAR 3.2M annually through strategic vendor consolidation and renegotiation."
• "Led the Saudization initiative in the engineering department, increasing Saudi national representation from 12% to 35% within 2 years."

The date format should be Month Year (e.g., "Mar 2021 - Present"). Both Gregorian (CE) and Hijri (AH) calendars are used in Saudi Arabia, but for CVs, use the Gregorian calendar. Government entities may reference Hijri dates in contracts, but your CV should use Gregorian for consistency and international readability.

If you have worked on projects related to Vision 2030 giga-projects (NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, AMAALA, Jeddah Tower), mention this explicitly. These are flagship initiatives and any association with them is a strong credential.

Education & Qualifications

Saudi Arabia has rigorous degree attestation requirements. All foreign degrees must be attested through the issuing country's authorities and then by the Saudi Ministry of Education via the Dataflow verification system. While you don't need to mention attestation on your CV, be aware that employers will require verified credentials before finalizing an offer.

Key points for the education section:

• List degrees in reverse chronological order
• Include the full degree name, institution, country, and year of completion
• If your university is internationally ranked, mention it: "King's College London (QS World Rank #37)"
• Saudi universities carry significant weight locally: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), King Saud University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Professional certifications are highly valued in Saudi Arabia, often as much as or more than academic qualifications for mid-career professionals. Key certifications by sector:

• Engineering: Saudi Council of Engineers registration is mandatory. PE (Professional Engineer) from NCEES is valued.
• Finance: CFA, CPA, SOCPA (Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants) membership
• Healthcare: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) classification and registration
• IT/Cybersecurity: CISSP, CISM, AWS/Azure certifications (aligning with the National Cybersecurity Authority requirements)
• Project Management: PMP is almost mandatory for senior PM roles
• HSE: NEBOSH IGC or Diploma, OSHA, IOSH

Language Section

Language skills are critically important in the Saudi job market:

• Arabic: Essential for government roles, legal positions, and many customer-facing positions. Highly valued in all sectors. If you speak Arabic, even at a basic level, include it. Distinguish between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Gulf Arabic dialect, and other dialects if relevant.
• English: Required for most private-sector roles, international organizations, and companies with global operations. Most Saudi universities teach in English, so young Saudi professionals are increasingly bilingual.
• Urdu/Hindi: Useful in construction, retail, and blue-collar management roles given the large South Asian workforce.
• Filipino (Tagalog): Relevant for healthcare, hospitality, and retail management.
• French: Valued in hospitality, luxury brands, and companies with North African operations.

Rate your proficiency honestly: Native, Fluent, Professional Working Proficiency, Conversational, or Basic. Some employers may test your claimed Arabic proficiency during interviews, so do not overstate your abilities.

ATS Systems in Saudi Arabia

Large Saudi employers make extensive use of Applicant Tracking Systems. The most common platforms include:

• SAP SuccessFactors: Used by Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and many government entities
• Oracle Taleo: Common in banking (Al Rajhi Bank, National Commercial Bank) and telecoms
• Workday: Adopted by modern enterprises and giga-project companies
• MenaITech: A regional ATS popular among Saudi SMEs
• Jadarat: The government's employment platform (Ministry of Human Resources) uses its own system

ATS optimization tips specific to Saudi Arabia:

1. Use job title keywords exactly as they appear in the posting. If the posting says "Senior Mechanical Engineer," don't use "Lead Mechanical Engineering Specialist."
2. Include both English and Arabic keywords if the role requires bilingualism, as some systems search in both languages.
3. Spell out acronyms at least once: "Project Management Professional (PMP)" ensures the ATS catches both the acronym and full name.
4. Avoid Arabic text in an English CV unless the role specifically requires bilingual documentation. Mixed-script text can confuse some ATS parsers.
5. Standard formatting rules apply: no tables, no text boxes, no headers/footers, standard fonts, clear section headings.

Design & Formatting Guidelines

Saudi Arabia generally favors conservative, professional CV designs. This applies across most industries, though there is some variation:

• Government & Semi-Government: Highly conservative. Black and white or minimal color. Traditional layout.
• Oil & Gas / Industrial: Clean and professional. Minimal design elements. Content-heavy.
• Banking & Finance: Conservative with subtle branding colors (navy, dark green).
• Technology & Startups: Slightly more modern, especially for roles at companies in Riyadh's tech ecosystem (stc ventures, Elm, Lucid Motors Saudi). Clean modern designs are acceptable.
• Entertainment & Tourism: For roles at NEOM, MiSK Foundation, or General Entertainment Authority (GEA), modern and visually appealing CVs are more accepted.

Specific formatting guidelines:

• Font: Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (10-12pt body, 14-16pt headings)
• Colors: Dark green (associated with Saudi Arabia), navy blue, or classic black. Avoid flashy colors.
• Margins: 2cm on all sides
• Paper size: A4 (not US Letter)
• File format: PDF for email submissions; check platform requirements for online applications
• File naming: FirstName_LastName_CV_2026.pdf

Saudization & the Nitaqat Program

The Nitaqat program is Saudi Arabia's comprehensive Saudization framework that classifies companies into color-coded bands based on their percentage of Saudi employees:

• Platinum: Exceeds Saudization requirements (highest benefits)
• Green (High/Medium/Low): Meets minimum requirements
• Red: Below minimum requirements (faces penalties and restrictions)

Companies in the red band face severe consequences: inability to renew or issue new work visas for expatriates, restricted access to government services, and potential fines. This directly impacts expatriate job seekers because:

• Companies in red may not be able to sponsor your visa, even if they want to hire you.
• Certain roles are "Saudi-only": The Ministry of Human Resources periodically designates specific professions exclusively for Saudi nationals. These have included HR positions, receptionist roles, cashier positions, certain sales roles, and security guards.
• Certain sectors have higher quotas: Banking, insurance, and telecom have among the highest Saudization requirements.

For expatriate candidates, your CV should subtly address the Saudization context:

• Highlight skills and experience that are genuinely scarce in the Saudi labor market
• Mention any experience training or developing Saudi national employees
• Reference knowledge transfer programs you have led or participated in
• If you have worked in Saudi Arabia before, emphasize your understanding of local regulations and business practices

For Saudi nationals, mentioning your nationality and any Hafiz (job seeker support program) or Tamheer (on-the-job training) participation can be helpful for entry-level roles. The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF/Hadaf) supports various training and employment programs for Saudis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not including your Iqama status: If you are a resident in Saudi Arabia, your Iqama status and transferability is one of the first things employers check. Omitting it creates uncertainty and delays.
2. Using a US-style one-page resume: Saudi employers expect detail. A single page suggests either insufficient experience or a lack of effort. Aim for 2-3 pages.
3. Ignoring Saudization context: If you are an expatriate applying for a role that could potentially be filled by a Saudi national, your CV must clearly articulate what unique value you bring that justifies the hire.
4. Incorrect date format or calendar confusion: Stick to Gregorian calendar dates in the Month-Year format on your CV. Don't mix Hijri and Gregorian dates.
5. Not mentioning Saudi-specific experience: If you have worked in Saudi Arabia before, highlight it prominently. Knowledge of local regulations (Saudi Labor Law, GOSI contributions, WPS compliance) is highly valued.
6. Omitting professional registration numbers: Engineers must be registered with the Saudi Council of Engineers, healthcare professionals with SCFHS, and accountants should mention SOCPA membership. Omitting these when applicable is a red flag.
7. Submitting without a cover letter: While not always required, a tailored cover letter that references the company's Vision 2030 alignment or specific projects significantly strengthens your application for premium roles.

Industry-Specific Tips

Oil & Gas / Petrochemicals

Saudi Arabia is home to Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, along with SABIC, Ma'aden, and ACWA Power. CVs for this sector should emphasize safety records, project values, compliance with Saudi Aramco engineering standards (SAES, SAMSS), and experience with specific technologies. Mention any In-Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) experience, as Aramco requires contractors to maximize local content.

Construction & Mega-Projects

The Kingdom is executing some of the world's largest construction projects. If you target roles at NEOM (a $500 billion development), The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, or Jeddah Tower, emphasize large-scale project experience, familiarity with international building codes, and ability to work in remote or challenging environments. Mention experience with Saudi Building Code (SBC) compliance.

Financial Services

For roles at Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), Riyad Bank, or the Capital Market Authority (CMA), emphasize regulatory knowledge (SAMA regulations, CMA rules, IFRS compliance). SOCPA certification is highly regarded. Fintech experience is increasingly valued as Saudi Arabia pushes to become a regional fintech hub.

Technology & Digital

Saudi Arabia's tech ecosystem is booming, driven by Vision 2030's digital transformation agenda. For roles at stc, Elm, Lucid Motors Saudi, or startups backed by STV or Sanabil Investments, highlight your technical stack, agile methodology experience, and any work on Saudi digital transformation projects (Absher, Tawakkalna, Nafath). Cybersecurity experience aligned with the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) standards is in high demand.

Healthcare

Healthcare CVs must include your SCFHS (Saudi Commission for Health Specialties) classification or eligibility. For roles at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, or Ministry of Health facilities, mention your clinical specialty, patient volumes, and any research. Saudi Arabia's push to develop medical tourism (especially at NEOM's Trojena health resort) creates new opportunities.

Education & Training

Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in education reform. For roles at universities like KAUST, KFUPM, or international schools, mention your curriculum expertise, accreditation experience, and research output. For corporate training roles, emphasize your familiarity with Saudi HR development frameworks and HRDF-accredited programs.

Entertainment & Tourism

A completely new sector in Saudi Arabia, entertainment and tourism roles at GEA, Saudi Tourism Authority, MDL Beast, or Qiddiya value international experience from mature tourism markets. Highlight event management, hospitality operations, and any experience launching new concepts or venues.

Premium Saudi Arabia CV Template

This comprehensive template is specifically designed for the Saudi Arabian job market. Follow each section carefully, adapting the examples to your own experience.

Header & Personal Information

[PROFESSIONAL PHOTO]                [YOUR FULL NAME (as per Iqama/Passport)]
                                    [Target Job Title]
                                    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | +966 5X XXX XXXX
                                    [email protected]
                                    linkedin.com/in/yourprofile
                                    
                                    Nationality: [Your Nationality]
                                    Iqama Status: [Valid, Transferable / Premium Residency]
                                    Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
                                    Marital Status: [Single/Married]

Professional Summary

Write 4-6 lines using this structure:

[Professional title] with [X] years of experience in [core function/industry] in Saudi Arabia and [other regions]. [Key quantified achievement]. [Core competencies relevant to target role]. [Saudi-specific credentials: SCE registration, SOCPA, SCFHS]. [Language skills]. Currently based in [City] with [visa/Iqama details].

Example for an engineering role:

Saudi Council of Engineers-registered Civil Engineer with 15 years of experience delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across Saudi Arabia, valued at over SAR 4 billion. Led the structural design and site supervision for Phase 2 of the Riyadh Metro Green Line, completing 4 stations on schedule. Expert in Saudi Building Code (SBC) compliance, SAES standards, and contractor management. Bilingual in English and Arabic. Based in Riyadh with Premium Residency status.

Work Experience

Structure each entry as follows:

[JOB TITLE]                                           [Month Year] - [Month Year / Present]
[Company Name] - [1-line description]                  [City, Saudi Arabia / Country]

* [Action verb] + [specific task/project] + [quantified result in SAR/%/time]
* [Action verb] + [specific task/project] + [quantified result]
* [Action verb] + [Saudi-specific contribution: Saudization, knowledge transfer, local compliance]
* [Action verb] + [team/leadership scope]
* [Action verb] + [technology/methodology used] + [outcome]

Example entry:

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER                                  Apr 2020 - Present
Saudi Aramco - Capital Projects Division                Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
(World's largest integrated energy company)

* Managed a portfolio of 4 capital construction projects valued at SAR 1.8 billion
  for the Jazan Refinery and Terminal Complex
* Delivered the utilities upgrade project 45 days ahead of schedule, saving
  SAR 12M in contractor penalties and achieving zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI)
* Led IKTVA compliance efforts, increasing local content from 28% to 52%
  through strategic vendor localization
* Mentored and developed 8 Saudi national engineers as part of the company's
  Saudi Capability Development Program
* Implemented Primavera P6 and Aconex for project controls across all sites,
  improving reporting accuracy by 40%
* Coordinated with RCJY (Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu) for
  regulatory approvals and environmental compliance

Education

[DEGREE]                                               [Year]
[University]                                           [City, Country]
[Details: GPA, honors, relevant thesis]

Example:
Master of Science in Civil Engineering                  2010
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)   Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
GPA: 3.8/4.0 | Thesis: Seismic Analysis of High-Rise Structures

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering                2007
Jordan University of Science and Technology             Irbid, Jordan
First Honors | GPA: 3.6/4.0

Professional Registrations & Certifications

* Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) - Professional Engineer, Reg. #XXXXX (2011)
* Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI, #XXXXXXX (2015)
* NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety (2018)
* Primavera P6 Professional Certified (Oracle) (2019)
* LEED Green Associate - USGBC (2020)

Skills

Technical:         Primavera P6 | AutoCAD | Revit | SAP PS Module
                   SAES/SAMSS Standards | Saudi Building Code (SBC)
                   Estidama | LEED | Value Engineering

Management:        Portfolio Management | IKTVA Compliance | FEED Review
                   Contractor Evaluation | Risk Assessment | Claims Management

Regulatory:        RCJY Regulations | MOMRA Standards | Civil Defense Codes
                   Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Requirements

Languages

Arabic     - Native
English    - Fluent (IELTS 7.5)
Urdu       - Conversational

References

Available upon request

OR (if comfortable providing):

[Name] | [Title], [Company] | [Email] | [+966 Phone]
[Name] | [Title], [Company] | [Email] | [+966 Phone]

Pre-Submission Checklist for Saudi Applications

• Professional photo included (formal attire, neutral background)
• Iqama status and transferability clearly stated
• Nationality and date of birth included
• Professional registration numbers listed (SCE, SCFHS, SOCPA as applicable)
• Saudi-specific experience highlighted (Vision 2030 projects, local regulations)
• Achievements quantified in SAR where applicable
• Contact number includes +966 country code
• CV saved as PDF: FirstName_LastName_CV_2026.pdf
• Arabic version prepared if targeting government or bilingual roles
• Keywords from job description incorporated naturally
• Total length: 2-3 pages (up to 4 for senior executives)