Google's AI Overviews Are Live in the UAE - Here's What You Need to Know

Google just flipped the script on search in the UAE. With AI Overviews now appearing at the top of results, your content could either be the star of the show, or buried deeper than ever.

This rollout doesn't replace SEO. But it adds a new layer to it.

If you don't structure your content for AI, you risk losing visibility fast in a region where online searches play a massive role in business success.

What You'll Learn In This Blog:

• What AI Overviews are
• Impact of AI Overviews in the UAE
• Content that gets picked
• 5 smart strategies for businesses in the UAE
• Triggers for AI Overviews
• Placement in search results
• How to adapt to this change

What Are AI Overviews?

Think of AI Overviews like mini summaries, powered by Google’s Gemini model. They show up at the top of the search page and present information from multiple high-authority sources to give users a quick answer.

Here's the catch. They:

• Pull information from multiple high-authority sources.
• Appear for complex, informational, or planning-based queries.
• Include answer blocks, steps, or comparisons.
• Feature clickable source cards if your site is cited.

In other words, if your content isn’t clear, credible, or well-structured, it probably won’t make the cut. And unlike static featured results, these adapt based on search intent.

Why This Matters Now, Especially in the UAE

Google’s rolled out AI Overviews with the UAE market in mind. That means English and Arabic support, and a smarter approach to multilingual search behaviour.

But there’s also a downside. AI Overviews are already changing how people find information.

• When Google provides answers directly, it can reduce the need for clicks on organic results. In the UAE, we are already noticing a shift in click patterns for certain queries.
• If you're not in the AI-generated summaries yet, you could be missing out without even realising it.

Traditional SEO rankings still matter, but they're no longer the ceiling. In a market where search impacts buying decisions and brand discovery, that’s a big deal.

The UAE SERP is changing how it provides answers, and businesses that want to get noticed must adapt their efforts to stay visible.

What Kind of Content Gets Picked?

Google keeps its algorithms under wraps, but we've noticed a pattern. AI Overviews favour content that has:

• Clear, direct answers: Provide concise, accurate answers at the beginning of your content.
• Strong E-E-A-T signals: Show expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness throughout your page.
• Clean structure: Use headings (H2s), bullet points, and FAQ-style formatting to make your content easy to read.
• Schema markup: Add structured data (FAQPage, HowTo, etc.) to help Google understand your content.
• Good SEO performance: Ensure your content already ranks well in search results.
• Off-site trust signals: Build credibility with backlinks, PR mentions, and positive reviews.

If Google's Gemini can scan, summarise, and trust your content in the UAE, you'll improve your chances of earning a featured spot.

What Businesses in the UAE Should Focus On Now

At United SEO, a leading AI SEO company in Dubai, we’re not chasing visibility for the sake of it. We build AI-readiness without disrupting what already works.

Here’s how:

1. Start With What’s Working

Before making any moves, we take stock of your strongest pages. The ones already bringing in traffic and conversions.

Our goal? Protect your rankings. We don’t tear down content that’s already winning. Instead, we:

• Identify what’s working well
• Avoid unnecessary rewrites
• Make safe, strategic tweaks (like schema or minor formatting) only where needed

We don’t fix what isn’t broken; we future-proof it.

2. Add FAQ Sections Strategically

FAQs aren’t filler. When used right, they improve UX, increase snippet visibility, and help AI models understand your content.

Here’s our approach:

• We add 3–5 natural, high-value questions to the bottom of your key landing pages
• Answers are written to be clear, helpful, and human
• Schema is applied manually and we don’t rely on automated plugins that risk accuracy

This supports both Featured Snippets and AI Overview (AIO) inclusion. No fluff, just value.

3. Format Content for Skimming

AI prefers content that’s easy to scan. So do humans. We format with both in mind.

With over 10 years of experience in content marketing, our writers focus on:

• Smart use of H2s and H3s to guide flow
• Bullet points to simplify complex information
• Short paragraphs (under 60 words) to keep things digestible
• Labeled visuals with alt text for both accessibility and AI context

We write like people read - fast, focused, and with intent.

4. Avoid Over-Optimising

More isn’t always better. In fact, it can backfire.

We avoid:

• Rewriting pages that already rank well
• Stuffing keywords or forcing headings
• Over-editing in ways that confuse search engines (or your readers)

Instead, we focus on supportive formatting and clarity. We work with your content, not against it.

5. Build Authority Beyond Your Website

AI isn’t just scanning your site. It’s checking your whole digital footprint.

That’s why we help clients strengthen:

• Backlinks from credible, relevant sources
• Third-party reviews on platforms that matter
• Media mentions from PR, blogs, and industry news
• Awards and recognitions that prove expertise

The more you’re seen (and trusted) across the web, the better your chances of being featured in AI Overviews.

What Triggers an AI Overview?

You’ll usually spot AI Overviews when people search for...

• Conversational how-to queries: For example, queries like "How do I set up a PPC campaign?" often trigger AI responses. These searches aim to provide clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Product or service comparisons: Users searching for comparisons (e.g., "X vs Y"), and are looking for detailed insights to make informed decisions.
• Finance, legal, or healthcare topics (YMYL): These searches fall under "Your Money or Your Life" (YMYL) topics, where accurate, trustworthy information is needed.
• Planning or decision-making queries: Questions like "best strategy for marketing a startup" often prompt AI summaries to help users weigh options or plan effectively.

These are all high-intent searches, meaning users are ready to act. That's exactly where brands want visibility.

Where Do They Show in the Results?

The placement of the AI Overviews depends on the query type:

• Above sponsored ads: Usually for research-based or authoritative queries.
• Below Google ads, but above organic listings: Common for commercial or local searches.

No matter the placement, these responses grab the most attention. Either way, if you're not in the AI Overview, you're fighting for scraps.

How to Adapt (Without Gaming the System)

AI Overviews are the new normal. You can't force your way into these results, but you can optimise your site to earn a spot.

Here's how to stay ahead:

1. Focus on solid on-page SEO. This means optimising titles, meta descriptions, and content for relevant keywords.
2. Create intent-driven, valuable content. Write with your audience's needs and questions in mind.
3. Build trust and earn backlinks. High-quality links show credibility and authority.

Next, add these strategies:

1. Use a smart content structure. Organise your content logically for easy navigation.
2. Implement schema markup. Help search engines understand your content better.
3. Format your content to be skimmable. Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs.
4. Provide clear, answer-first content. Ensure AI tools can pull helpful, direct answers from your site.

This Isn't Just About SEO Anymore

We’ve entered the era of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). That means optimising your content not just for Google, but for how AI reads, summarises, and surfaces it.

The businesses that adapt early will come out on top. Those that don’t? They’ll be wondering where their traffic went.