Google’s AI Mode Launches in MENA, Transforming Search for UAE Users

Dubai, UAE – August 25, 2025 — Google has begun rolling out its most advanced search feature yet, AI Mode, across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The feature is launching first in English and will gradually become available to users in the UAE in the coming days.

The update is powered by the Gemini 2.5 model, Google’s latest artificial intelligence technology. It gives users a faster, smarter way to search, handling questions that are longer, more complex, and more detailed than before.

What Makes AI Mode Different

Traditional search engines usually answer short queries. But modern users want more. They ask detailed questions, expect personalized answers, and want to save time.

Google’s AI Mode is designed for exactly this purpose. Instead of doing three or four separate searches, users can now type or speak a long, connected question, and AI Mode will deliver one clear response.

For instance, if someone asks: “Which SUV is best for families in Dubai, what are the safety features, and how much does it cost?” — AI Mode doesn’t just show a list of links. It breaks down the query into different parts and provides a structured, detailed summary with relevant information.

This makes search more like a conversation with a knowledgeable assistant than a tool for finding links.

The Power of Gemini 2.5

The real strength behind AI Mode is the Gemini 2.5 model. This is one of Google’s most advanced AI systems to date, designed to understand context, connect ideas, and produce clear explanations.

It doesn’t just fetch answers. It interprets meaning, compares different pieces of information, and provides well-rounded insights. This means users in the UAE can now get in-depth and reliable results faster than ever.

Search in More Than One Way

AI Mode is multimodal, meaning you don’t have to stick to typing. Users can:

• Type questions in detail.
• Speak naturally into their phones by tapping the microphone.
• Upload images and ask questions about them.

Imagine standing in a Dubai shopping mall, taking a photo of a product, and asking Google where else you can buy it at a lower price. With AI Mode, that kind of search becomes seamless and instant.

This flexibility reflects how people naturally interact with information—through words, voice, and visuals.

How AI Mode Works Behind the Scenes

AI Mode uses a smart method called query fan-out. This technique takes your one big question, splits it into smaller subtopics, searches them all at once, and then combines everything into one clear answer.

For example, if a user asks: “Plan me a three-day road trip across the UAE with hotel stays, sightseeing, and budget options,” Google divides it into:

• Travel routes.
• Sightseeing recommendations.
• Hotel listings.
• Budget-friendly tips.

Then it merges all this into a complete, easy-to-read plan. Instead of spending an hour clicking through multiple websites, you get everything in a single answer.

Why UAE Users Will Benefit

The UAE is a hub for technology adoption and digital innovation. People here want quick, reliable information for work, travel, shopping, and education.

AI Mode is designed to make everyday life simpler.

For example:

• Shoppers can instantly compare smartphone models, including specs, prices, and deals from UAE retailers.
• Travelers can ask for customized itineraries across Emirates like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
• Students can turn complex study material into clear step-by-step guides.
• Entrepreneurs can explore markets, competitors, and strategies faster.

These features are not just convenient—they save time, improve decision-making, and provide access to more accurate and diverse perspectives.

Early User Insights

Google has noticed that early users of AI Mode are asking longer and more detailed questions compared to regular searches.

Queries are now two to three times longer than average. This shows that users are treating search like a conversation, trusting AI to understand the full context.

This change in behavior also means people expect richer, more direct answers—something AI Mode is built to deliver.

Where You Can Use AI Mode

The new feature is being added as a tab within Google Search. Users will see it in their browsers and also in the Google app on Android and iOS devices.

You don’t need to download anything new. AI Mode becomes part of the Google experience you already know.

Language Support and Expansion

At launch, AI Mode is available in English only. But Google has confirmed that Arabic support will follow soon.

This is vital for MENA, where a large portion of the population prefers Arabic for searching. Once launched, Arabic will make AI Mode accessible to millions more across the region, from the UAE to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

Ensuring Accuracy and Trust

Google understands the importance of accuracy and trust when using AI. AI Mode is built on the same ranking and quality systems that power Google Search. This ensures that results remain reliable.

If the AI isn’t confident in an answer, it will display traditional search results instead, so users can still explore the web in the usual way.

In addition, Google has made it simple for users to give feedback. A quick thumbs-up or thumbs-down helps improve the feature over time.

Why the Rollout Matters to MENA

The Middle East and North Africa is one of the fastest-growing digital regions in the world. From Dubai’s booming e-commerce sector to Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem and Egypt’s education market, people across MENA rely heavily on search engines.

AI Mode addresses these needs by offering faster answers, deeper insights, and easier access to high-quality information.

For many, it could change how they:

• Shop online.
• Plan travel.
• Study for exams.
• Manage businesses.

By launching AI Mode here, Google is recognizing the region’s importance in global technology adoption.

A Shift in Search Behavior

This update also marks a major shift in how people think about search. It is no longer just about typing keywords like “best hotels in Abu Dhabi.” Instead, it’s about asking complete questions and getting complete answers.

AI Mode pushes search toward becoming a true digital assistant. Soon, users may be able not only to search but also to compare, book, and complete actions without leaving the results page.

This is the beginning of a new phase in how we interact with the internet.