When was the last time you Googled a restaurant? If you're like a growing number of people in the UAE, you probably didn't Google it at all — you asked ChatGPT, or let Google's AI Overview answer for you.
This shift is happening faster than most business owners realize. According to recent data, roughly 1 in 4 searches now involves an AI-generated answer. That means if AI doesn't know about your business — or doesn't think highly enough of it to recommend — you're invisible to a quarter of potential customers.
How AI Decides Who to Recommend
AI search engines don't work like traditional Google. They don't just match keywords — they synthesize information from reviews, structured data, and online presence to form an opinion about your business. Then they recommend the businesses they "trust" most.
The factors that matter most:
Review quality and volume. AI engines read your Google reviews. Not just the star rating — the actual words. If customers frequently mention specific dishes, treatments, or experiences, AI learns what you're known for.
Structured data. This is the hidden information on your website that tells AI exactly what your business is, where it's located, and what you offer. Most local businesses don't have this set up.
Consistency across platforms. If your phone number on Google doesn't match your website, or your hours on TripAdvisor are wrong, AI engines lose confidence in your data.
What You Can Do About It
The good news is that optimizing for AI search isn't complicated — it just requires attention to the right details. Start by understanding where you stand. Check if ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Perplexity actually recommend your business when someone asks for suggestions in your category and area.
Then focus on the fundamentals: get more specific reviews (not just "great food" but "the wagyu burger was incredible"), set up your structured data, and make sure your information is consistent everywhere.
The businesses that act on this now will have a significant advantage as AI search continues to grow.