Arabic Cv Guide

An Arabic CV is not a translated English CV — it has its own rules for reading direction, layout and how much personal detail belongs on the page. This guide covers how to write one that reads naturally and still clears an ATS.

The steps

1. Choose a layout built for right-to-left text instead of mirroring an English one
2. Write headings in Modern Standard Arabic and keep technical terms in their original language
3. Order the sections: details, summary, experience, education, skills
4. Check the spelling of names and job titles so nothing is misread
5. Re-open the exported file to confirm direction and numerals survived

Practical tips

• Mirror the job title exactly as it appears in the advert, even if it is in English
• Use a clear Arabic typeface at 11pt or larger
• Latin numerals and dates are read reliably by most parsing systems
• Check how it looks on a phone — many recruiters open it there first

Common mistakes to avoid

• Translating technical skills so literally that they stop meaning anything
• Padding the CV with filler instead of measurable outcomes
• Exporting as an image, which leaves the file unreadable to an ATS

Frequently asked questions

Should the CV be in Arabic or English?

For a local company or a government body, Arabic first. For an international employer, English first. Preparing both versions is the safe default.

Is a photo expected on an Arabic CV?

In much of the Gulf and the Levant a photo is still accepted and sometimes preferred. International employers ignore it. If unsure, keep a photo-free version too.