Should You Add a Photo to Your CV for Jobs in the UAE?

Conventions over adding a photo to your CV differ across the world. While in the UK and USA, jobseekers are generally discouraged from adding a photo to their CV, it’s normal to include one in many European countries. The conventions are often led by privacy and anti-discrimination laws in the country you’re applying in.

 

If you’re applying for jobs in the UAE, it’s typically fine to include a personal photo, though preferences can vary according to industry norms and cultural expectations. Let’s take a look at CV photo guidelines for the UAE, including tips on when to include one, when to avoid it and how to present your photo on your UAE CV.

UAE cultural and industry considerations

It’s usually acceptable to include a photo on your CV in the UAE. A well-placed photo can help your CV appear more presentable and make your application stand out from other candidates. However, since anti-discrimination laws became more extensive in the country in 2023, it’s possible that elements of job applications that might result in bias or discrimination, such as personal details or photos, could become less widespread.

 

If the job you’re applying for is in an industry where personal presentation matters, a CV photo is more likely to be expected. This might include hospitality roles, jobs in real estate or other customer-facing professions. Like many other countries, it’s also likely that you’ll require a photo for applications for acting, modelling or other roles where personal appearance and presentation is important.

 

Conversely, for roles in the UAE that don’t include client or customer contact, a personal CV photo might be less important. These could be technical roles, jobs in academic fields or office-based positions where you’re not expected to meet clients or represent the company in any formal external setting.

 

Also read: How to Write a CV for Dubai Jobs

 

The benefits of adding a photo to your UAE CV

Adding a photo to your CV for UAE job applications has various benefits. In what can otherwise be a text-heavy document, a photo can add a splash of colour that helps your application to stand out from other CVs. As part of a thoughtful, subtle design along with other graphics, icons, colour shading or design features, a personal photo can make your CV far more appealing at a glance. This can be helpful for almost any role, but it’s especially useful if the role requires presentation or design skills.

 

Secondly, a well-taken headshot helps to portray you as a professional candidate who dresses appropriately for the business environment. If the role is in a traditional, formal industry or a profession such as sales, a personal photo in formal business attire will help the employer to gain an understanding about your fit for the role. If you’re applying for a position in media or marketing, a photo portraying you in less formal business wear can also highlight your suitability for the industry. The presentation of your photo can help you show that you understand the cultural cues of business.

The risks of adding a photo to your CV for UAE applications

While there are some possible benefits to adding a personal photo to your CV, it’s also important to consider the risks. As in many other countries, there’s always a risk that adding a personal photo to your UAE CV could lead to an over-emphasis on appearance and recruitment bias, either conscious or unconscious. While it’s illegal in the UAE to discriminate based on gender, race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin or disability, including a photo in your CV can still lead to unconscious bias in the decision-making process.

 

Additionally, if your photo is unprofessional or unsuitable for the role you’re applying for, this could detract from your application rather than enhancing it. If, for example, your photo is poorly lit, out of focus or low resolution, this can reduce its impact. Furthermore, if the photo is in an unsuitable setting, such as on holiday, or you’re wearing unsuitable attire, this can similarly reduce your chances of success.

 

Finally, you’ll want your qualifications, skills and experience to be the things that stand out in your CV. Including a photo may help to catch the eye of the reader, but it can also distract the reader from what’s really important – your CVs written content. The inclusion of a photo may hinder the recruiter or hiring manager’s ability to evaluate your qualifications and suitability for the role objectively.

When and how to add a photo to your UAE CV

If you decide to add a photo to your CV for UAE job applications, there are a few rules to follow to ensure you abide by the local cultural conventions, and make the best impact possible with your CV. Take a look at these tips to help you decide whether to add a photo, and how to make the most of it:

When to add a photo to your CV

When deciding whether to add a photo to your CV, consider the following:

 

• Check the job description to see if the employer explicitly requests a photo as part of the application. In these situations, you’ll definitely want to add one.
• If the role is likely to include regular client contact, or requires smart appearance and presentation (for example, hospitality, sales or media), it’s typically a good idea to add a photo.
• If you’re applying to an international company, and the location of the parent company or headquarters has strict anti-discrimination laws, you may decide it’s best not to add a photo to your CV.

How to add a photo to your CV

If you’ve decided to include a photo with your application, follow these tips for maximum impact:

 

• Use a high-quality, professional photo that’s well-lit with neutral lighting and a plain background.
• Dress appropriately for the role or industry. If, for example, you’re applying for a corporate role or traditional professional industry, use formal attire. For roles in less formal professions, smart-casual attire might be more suitable.
• Opt for a headshot-style image that focuses on head and shoulders. Use the ‘rule of thirds’ to compose your image, dividing the frame up into three equal thirds and ensuring your eyes align with the bottom of the top third.
• Keep the photo proportional to the rest of the document, making sure it doesn’t take up too much space. Ideally, place your photo in the top corner of your CV.

Formatting tips for your CV photo

Follow these formatting tips to make sure the photo adds to the overall quality of your CV:

 

• Keep your personal photo small, but use a high-quality image that’s clear and well-lit. Avoid large images that will dominate the CV layout and design.
• Integrate the photo seamlessly into the overall document design, complementing the text and other design elements, rather than overwhelming them.
• Avoid unnecessary borders or fussy design details that can detract from the overall look and feel of the CV.
• Using a CV template like those offered by Jobseeker can ensure your photo fits perfectly within the CV layout, and complements other design features.

Best CV photo practices for UAE jobseekers

If you’re unsure whether to include a photo in your UAE job applications, these best practice tips might help you decide:

 

• A one-size-fits-all approach might not necessarily work. Tailor your approach based on the role, employer expectations and industry norms. While it’s appropriate to include a photo in some circumstances, in others it might negatively impact your chances.
• If you’re unsure about including a photo, err on the side of caution and leave it out, focusing more on your qualifications, skills and experience.
• Consult the job advert, and adverts for other vacancies with the same organisation, to understand the company’s application preferences.
• Discuss the matter with local recruiters or connections who are already working in the UAE, who can offer advice on whether it’s best to include a photo or not.

Conclusion

When you’re considering whether to add a personal photo to your CV for UAE job applications, it’s important to balance cultural expectations with professional and industry standards. Including a photo in your CV has traditionally been acceptable in the UAE, and it might even be necessary for some roles. However, there are other situations where adding a photo might be unnecessary or even detrimental to your chances.

From an aesthetic perspective, a photo can enhance your CV and help you catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Just be sure that your photo has a professional appearance and fits with other design elements in your CV. Remember, your skills, qualifications and experience are the most important things in your CV, so don’t let your photo detract from these.