When it comes to job applications in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—job seekers often ask the same question:
Should I include a photo on my CV?
Globally, opinions on this vary widely. In some countries, it’s expected. In others, it’s discouraged due to bias concerns. But what about the GCC job market?
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of adding your photo to your CV, current hiring trends in the UAE and beyond, and when it may actually help or hurt your chances.
There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to putting a photo on your CV in the GCC. In many cases, employers won’t mind whether you include a picture or not, as long as your qualifications match the role.
However, in some industries and roles, a professional-looking photo may give you a slight edge. In others, it may introduce unnecessary bias.
So, how do you decide? Let’s break it down.
Including a photo on your CV may be appropriate in the GCC in the following situations:
In industries like hospitality, sales, cabin crew, or media, presentation is often part of the job. A clear, professional photo can help hiring managers visualize you in the role—especially when appearance, grooming, or interpersonal skills are important.
Some employers in the region may still request a photo in their job postings. If that’s the case, it’s best to comply, as long as the request is made transparently and professionally.
In some smaller or more traditional businesses in the GCC, CVs with photos may still be the norm. A photo may help personalize your application, especially if the company places a high value on presentation or formality.
When applying through Bayt.com, your profile photo (if you choose to upload one) appears separately from your CV. This allows employers to view your photo only if they want to, helping to avoid bias while maintaining personalization.
There are also situations where including a photo might not be a good idea:
Many large companies in the UAE and across the GCC use ATS software to screen CVs. Including a photo could disrupt the formatting or lead to technical issues during parsing, especially if your CV contains graphics or non-standard layouts.
A casual, blurry, or outdated image can harm your first impression. In the GCC, where professionalism and appearance are taken seriously, a poor-quality photo is worse than none at all.
Some multinational companies in the GCC follow global hiring standards, where CV photos are discouraged to prevent unconscious bias. If you're applying to a corporate role with a global firm, it may be safer to leave the photo off.
When in doubt, it’s always safer to focus on your experience, skills, and accomplishments. A strong, clear CV with measurable achievements speaks louder than any image.
While opinions differ, many recruiters in the UAE and wider Gulf say that a photo is not essential. In fact, some prefer CVs without photos to streamline the process and avoid bias.
Still, others believe that a well-composed, neutral photo can convey confidence and professionalism—if done correctly and if the role is client-facing.
Ultimately, the decision often comes down to industry, company culture, and your own comfort level.
If you decide that a photo fits your application, follow these tips:
Use a high-resolution headshot with a plain background
Dress professionally (formal attire is safest in the GCC)
Smile subtly—convey approachability without being casual
Don’t use selfies or passport photos
Avoid adding filters, logos, or borders
And always save your CV in a format that keeps the image aligned and doesn’t distort the layout—especially when converting to PDF.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hospitality, sales, and aviation jobs | A photo may help |
| Corporate roles in MNCs | Best to skip it |
| Requested in the job description | Include a professional photo |
| Unsure or general application | Leave it off |
Remember, your skills, experience, and professionalism will always matter more than your appearance.
In the competitive GCC job market, your CV should reflect your strengths, not distract from them. Whether you include a photo or not, make sure the rest of your application is strong, clear, and tailored to the job.
Need help refining your CV or adjusting it to the preferences of employers in the Gulf?
Update your CV today on Bayt.com, explore industry-specific tips, and take the next confident step toward your career in the region.
