Nafis is the UAE federal programme that supports Emiratis working in the private sector. It does not set a special CV format. An Emiratisation-ready CV is a clear single-column CV that states UAE nationality, opens with your target role and real evidence, and is tailored to the private-sector job you apply for through the Nafis platform or an employer's own careers page.
What Nafis is
According to the UAE government portal, Nafis was launched on 12 September 2021 as part of the second set of 'Projects of the 50', with AED 24 billion allocated to support the private sector in employing 170,000 citizens over five years. The programme has been extended until 2040. The same page reports that Emiratis working in the private sector grew from about 29,000 to more than 175,000 by the end of December 2025.
- Emirati Salary Support Scheme
- Pension Program
- Child Allowance Scheme
- Talent Program and Apprentice Program Support
- Job Offers
- National Healthcare Program
- Unemployment Benefit
Why private-sector employers want Emirati CVs now
Emiratisation targets give employers a deadline. The u.ae page on employing Emiratis sets out the rules: companies with 50 or more employees must raise Emiratis in skilled jobs by 2% a year towards a 10% increase by 2026, and companies with 20 to 49 employees in 14 sectors had to hire one Emirati in 2024 and another in 2025. The minimum wage for Emiratis in the private sector is AED 6,000 a month from 1 January 2026. For an applicant this means many employers are actively looking, and a clear CV helps them match you to the right role quickly.
What to put on an Emiratisation CV
| Detail | Include it? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| UAE nationality | Yes, near your name | It tells the recruiter at once that the role can count towards their targets |
| Target role | Yes, under your name | Recruiters screening many Emirati applicants sort by role first |
| Arabic and English levels | Yes | Most private-sector roles work in English; Arabic is often an advantage |
| National Service | If it explains a gap in your dates | A recruiter will otherwise ask about the missing months |
| Internships, on-the-job training, apprentice schemes | Yes, as experience | For graduates these are your strongest evidence |
| Emirates ID number, family book number, passport number | No | Never put ID numbers on a CV you upload or email widely |
| Photo | Only if the employer asks | It is common in the UAE but not a requirement |
The American University of Sharjah resume checklist also advises leaving several personal details off a CV. For the general layout, follow the UAE CV format guide.
Arabic or English CV for Emiratisation roles?
Use the language of the advert. Most private-sector roles in the UAE are advertised and run in English, so an English CV is usually the main one. If an employer also asks for Arabic, make a second file from the same content rather than mixing both languages on one page. The Arabic and English CV guide explains how to keep the two versions consistent.
Example CV outline for an Emirati graduate
Fictional outline — replace every bracket with your own facts
[Full name] — [Target role, e.g. Graduate Accountant]
UAE National · [City] · [Phone] · [Email] · [LinkedIn]
PROFILE — Two lines: your degree, the field you want and one result you can show
EDUCATION — [Degree], [University], [Year] · [Graduation project in one line]
EXPERIENCE — [Internship or training role], [Company], [MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY]
• [Action verb + task + result, e.g. 'Reconciled 200 supplier invoices a month and cleared a three-month backlog']
NATIONAL SERVICE — [Dates], if it explains a gap
SKILLS — [6–8 skills from the advert that you can prove]
LANGUAGES — Arabic (native) · English ([level])
Common mistakes on Emirati CVs
- A long personal section with date of birth, marital status and ID numbers instead of evidence.
- The same generic CV for every role. Tailor the profile and skills to each advert.
- Listing duties instead of results: 'responsible for reports' says less than 'prepared the weekly sales report for six branches'.
- Hiding internships and training because they were unpaid. For graduates they are real experience.
- Two-column designs for portals. Applicant tracking software reads a single column more reliably.
Building your CV in ArcPixel
ArcPixel's resume builder works in English and Arabic, with single-column templates such as Vellum and Ledger for portals and the option to switch template without retyping. You can keep an English and an Arabic version side by side and add a portfolio if your field needs work samples. Creating and previewing are free; PDF export needs a paid plan, as shown on the pricing page. ArcPixel is not affiliated with Nafis and cannot register you or guarantee a placement.
- Does Nafis have a special CV format?
- No. Nafis is a support programme and job platform, not a CV standard. Use a clear single-column CV tailored to each role.
- Is Nafis only for Emiratis?
- Nafis is built for UAE nationals working in, or moving into, the private sector. Eligibility differs by programme, so check each programme's terms on nafis.gov.ae.
- How do I apply for jobs through Nafis?
- Job opportunities are listed on the Nafis platform at nafis.gov.ae. Many employers also post Emiratisation roles on their own careers pages.
- What is the minimum salary for Emiratis in the private sector?
- AED 6,000 a month from 1 January 2026, according to the UAE government portal.
- Should I put my Emirates ID number on my CV?
- No. Employers request ID details later in hiring through secure channels. Keep ID numbers off any CV you upload or email.
- Should an Emirati CV be in Arabic?
- Follow the advert. Most private-sector roles use English; make a separate Arabic file if an employer asks for one.
