Gulf recruiters typically screen a large volume of applications, so a CV that is easy to scan in under a minute has a real advantage. Two pages is the practical limit for most roles; keep a third page only for senior or highly technical positions where a longer track record is expected.
Lead with your most recent role, not a summary paragraph. State your job title, employer, dates and three to five concrete achievements rather than a list of duties. Numbers help: teams managed, budgets handled, targets met.
Gulf employers commonly ask for nationality and visa or residency status on the CV itself, since it affects sponsorship and timelines. State it plainly near the top rather than leaving it for the interview — omitting it usually just delays a response rather than avoiding the question.
List qualifications with the awarding institution and country, since Gulf employers often verify degrees through equivalency checks. Include professional licences or certifications relevant to your field, with their issuing body.
Finally, match your CV language to the listing: if a role is posted in English, apply in English; if in Arabic, a bilingual CV signals genuine fit for the market.