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Arabic or English CV: when you need which

No single language suits every job. The short rule: write your CV in the language the employer uses with you. Here are the details, from government jobs and Jadarat to private companies.

Sources checked on 4 November 2026. العربية

Rule one: follow the job ad

• Ad in Arabic: Arabic CV.
• Ad in English: English CV.
• The employer asks for a specific language: do what they ask, even if the ad is in the other language.
• Ad in both languages, or no clear instruction: prepare both.

The reason is practical. Recruiters search their candidate database with keywords they choose, usually the most important skills and qualifications for the job (Roche), and George Mason University's guide advises using the employer's own wording when it matches your experience (George Mason University, 2026). So we suggest writing your CV in the language of the ad, so your wording can match theirs.

Government jobs and Jadarat

Jadarat is the Unified National Employment Platform. HRDF manages it under Cabinet Decision No. 241, it replaced the former “Jadara” platform, and it lists public and private sector jobs for Saudi nationals (HRDF: Jadarat). HRDF's FAQ also says:

• The platform is available in Arabic and English.
• You must first verify your qualification on the platform; then you can apply for public sector ads that match it.
• Some of your personal data is added automatically from sources such as Nafath, and HRDF advises completing every detail of your profile.

In other words, applying for government jobs through Jadarat goes through your profile on the platform itself, so fill it in carefully and write your university and major as they appear on your certificate.

If a government entity asks for a CV file without naming a language, Arabic is a safe choice: Article 1 of the Basic Law of Governance states that Arabic is the Kingdom's language (Basic Law of Governance, WIPO Lex). If the ad is in English or asks for English, follow it.

Companies and the private sector

Arabic is the official language of employment documents. Article 9 of the Labor Law says Arabic must be used in data, records, files and employment contracts, and that the Arabic text prevails if the employer also uses a foreign language (Ministry of Human Resources: Labor Law, in Arabic). That article covers the employer's documents, not your CV, but it shows the place of Arabic at work.

At the same time, demand for English is growing. In ETS's 2026 Global English Skills Report, which surveyed 1,325 HR decision makers in 17 countries including Saudi Arabia between 30 September and 10 October 2025, 91% said they seek to hire university graduates with English language skills (ETS, 2026).

Anil Singh, chief business officer for Saudi Arabia at TASC Outsourcing, told Arab News that employers increasingly expect people to work in both Arabic and English depending on the business context, and that Arabic remains fundamental (Arab News, 26 May 2026).

For the private sector, then: follow the ad, and it helps to keep an English version ready alongside your Arabic one.

When you need both

• You are applying to government entities through Jadarat and to companies that advertise in English at the same time.
• The ad is in both languages, or names no language.
• You want an English LinkedIn profile while applying locally in Arabic.

Tips if you write both

• Two separate files, not one file with two columns: some parsing systems read columns straight across and mix them up (Roche).
• The same facts in both: dates, titles and numbers must match exactly.
• Translate the meaning, not the words: write each version the way a native speaker would, and use your university's official name as it appears on your certificate.
• One fixed spelling of your name in English: ideally the one in your passport or on your certificate.

To make sure hiring systems read your file well, read our guide to ATS-friendly CVs; if this is your first CV, start with How to write your first CV.

Sources

1. Human Resources Development Fund, “Jadarat: Individuals”: hrdf.org.sa
2. Basic Law of Governance, Article 1, Royal Decree No. A/90 of 27/08/1412H (1 March 1992), English text in WIPO Lex: wipo.int
3. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Labor Law, “Definitions / General Provisions”, Article 9 (Arabic): hrsd.gov.sa
4. ETS, “TOEIC Global English Skills Report” (PDF, 2026; survey by The Harris Poll, 30 September to 10 October 2025): ets.org
5. Arab News, “Saudi firms seek English skills amid AI boom, but Arabic still leads”, 26 May 2026: arabnews.com
6. Roche Careers, “Resume Parsing FAQ” (undated, read on 4 November 2026): careers.roche.com
7. George Mason University Career Services, “Make your applications tech-friendly” (PDF, 2026): webdocs.gmu.edu