One of the most common questions from Saudi students is whether to submit their CV in Arabic or English. The answer depends on three factors — and getting it right matters more than most applicants realize.
First, check the job posting language. If the internship is advertised in Arabic — whether on a Saudi job platform or the company's own channels — submit in Arabic. If it is posted in English or on an international platform, English is the better choice.
Second, know the company type. Local and regional employers who serve Arabic-speaking markets prefer Arabic CVs. Global or multinational firms may expect English even from Arabic-speaking applicants. Some employers explicitly ask for both versions.
Third, play to your strengths. If your Arabic writing is clearer and more precise for describing your achievements, that Arabic version will outperform a weakly written English CV every time. Language quality matters more than the language itself.
Should you submit both versions?
Many students apply for internships at large companies with both local and international operations. In those cases, submitting both an Arabic and an English version with the application is smart. If the application portal only allows one attachment, go with the language that best represents your actual abilities and matches the employer's communication style.
The golden rule: know your audience. Read the job posting language, check the company website, and consider what the sector typically expects. A strong CV is not simply in Arabic or English — it is in the language the employer can best understand and evaluate.
With CV Builder, you get both versions in one click for 20 SAR once — no monthly subscription.