Nurse CV for the United Arab Emirates
For nurse jobs in the United Arab Emirates, lead with DHA (Dubai), DOH (Abu Dhabi), Sharjah Health Authority or MOHAP licence, or eligibility letter. Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 2–3 pages. Employers usually expect a photo and nationality. The date of birth is usually included, but optional. If you are not a citizen, your right to work or visa status is usually stated.
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Registration and licences
| Nurses | DHA (Dubai), DOH (Abu Dhabi), Sharjah Health Authority or MOHAP licence, or eligibility letter |
|---|
Put it near the top of the CV. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress” and the date you applied. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before you apply.
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important |
|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended |
| Registration & licences | Expected |
| Experience | Expected |
| Education | Expected |
| Clinical skills | Recommended |
| Courses & CPD | Recommended |
| References | Recommended |
Length: 2–3 pages.
Personal details in the United Arab Emirates
| What it is called | Curriculum Vitae |
|---|---|
| Length | 2–3 pages |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Single column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023) |
| Photo | Expected |
| Date of birth | Usually included |
| Nationality | Expected |
| Marital status | Usually included |
| Right to work / visa status | Expected |
| References | “References available on request” is fine |
| Explain gaps longer than | 6 months |
Key facts
- Nurses in the UAE are licensed by the DHA, DOH or MOHAP, depending on the emirate where they work. Source: doh.gov.ae
- The UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) prohibits discrimination on grounds including race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin and disability; measures promoting the employment of UAE nationals are not treated as discrimination. Source: uaelegislation.gov.ae
- In the UAE, healthcare professionals are licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), depending on the emirate. Source: doh.gov.ae
Facts checked 2026-10-15.
Tips
- Lead with your registration (e.g. NMC PIN, AHPRA number, RN licence) and its status.
- For each post give the ward or unit, patient group, bed numbers and shift pattern.
- List competencies: IV, cannulation, medicines management, specific equipment.
- Overseas nurses: state your OSCE / NCLEX / IELTS or OET status.
- In the EU/EEA, automatic recognition (Directive 2005/36/EC) covers nurses responsible for general care; specialist nursing qualifications go through the general recognition route.
- Nationality and visa status (residence visa, transferable, visit visa) are expected near the top.
- A professional passport-style photo is usual.
- Mention your notice period and availability; a UAE or GCC driving licence helps for many roles.
Questions
What registration do nurses need on a CV in the United Arab Emirates?
Nurses applying in the United Arab Emirates should show DHA (Dubai), DOH (Abu Dhabi), Sharjah Health Authority or MOHAP licence, or eligibility letter near the top of the CV, with the registration number and status. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress”. Put it in its own section, above your experience. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the regulator before you apply.
Should a nursing CV for the United Arab Emirates have a photo?
Yes. A professional photo is usually expected on a nursing CV in the United Arab Emirates. Use a recent head-and-shoulders picture with a plain, light background and business clothing, and place it in the header next to your name. Recruiters there look for it, and a CV without a photo can look incomplete to them. A professional passport-style photo is usual.
How long should a nursing CV be in the United Arab Emirates?
Aim for 2–3 pages, the norm in the United Arab Emirates. Put your registration and most recent roles on the first page, keep older roles to a line or two each, and use A4 paper. Employers in this field usually check your registration first. CV Atlas warns you when the CV runs longer than usual.
What sections does a nursing CV for the United Arab Emirates need?
A nursing CV for the United Arab Emirates needs your contact details, experience, education and registration and licences. In the header, include a professional photo, your date of birth, your nationality and your visa or right-to-work status. Put the most recent role first and describe each post with the setting, scope and results. CV Atlas applies this structure when you choose the job and the country, and its readiness check lists anything missing.
Related guides
General guides: CVs for the United Arab Emirates and Nursing & midwifery CVs in any country.
Other jobs in the United Arab Emirates: Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied health, Teacher, Engineer, Lawyer, Accountant, Electrician and trades, Care worker, Childcare worker, Social worker, Software engineer.
Nurse CVs for other countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan.
Start your nurse CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.