Introduction of AI Mode in the MENA Region: How Will It Impact SEO?

AI Mode is a new trend that is taking everybody’s attention, including users, website owners and SEO experts. We have been learning more about it, and it’s safe to say that we were able to create a clear image, taking into consideration the new user behaviour. 

 

It is essential to break things down for an easier understanding. In this blog, we will go through AI Mode in all the details that we have. 

 

What is AI Mode?

AI Mode is a feature in Google Search that enables users to get AI-generated answers to their queries. Unlike the AI overview, AI Mode shows the results in a separate result page. 

When searching for a specific query, the result comes out as follows: 

Now, there are plenty of things to pay attention to: 

 

One: AI Mode generates a comprehensive answer that almost covers all aspects of your query. For example, in our query “what is AI Mode,” the result includes a definition, main features, and applications in smart appliances. 

 

Two: AI Mode provides references from which it generated the answer, offering more details for in-depth research. 

 

Three: The bar at the bottom, “Ask anything,” is very important. Unlike the AI overview, this feature in AI Mode enables us to proceed with another related question for more information, creating a conversational search where users feel like they are talking to a human being. 

How Does AI Mode Work?

It depends on what Google calls the “query fan-out” technique, where many related queries are processed in the background. The results of these queries are collected together, summarized, and then provided as a comprehensive, AI-generated, accurate answer.  

 

AI in Google Timeline

AI in Google has gone through many stages, so today, we see lots of features. Starting with AI Overview, which was launched in May 2024, the search process has changed rapidly. It began in Western countries, and it took a year to reach the MENA region after it showed a huge ease in the search process. 

 

AI overviews depend on generating a general answer about a specific topic or query at the top of the search results page, with resources from which it collected the information. 

 

In May 2025, AI Mode got into the game as a new AI feature for users in the USA. Then, it expanded to India and other countries until it reached the MENA countries for English searches only, until today. 

 

Query Fan-Out in AI Mode

Query fan-out is a technique used by Large Language Models (LLMs) where each query is divided into sub-queries, and each one is processed in the backstage to generate the most comprehensive result possible. In other words, AI Mode predicts and anticipates other related aspects of the topic. 

 

In the following query, we asked AI Mode: Does exercise reduce high cholesterol in the body? And this is what we got: 

(But, this is not all!)

(Wait, we are not done:) 

(Now we’re done!) 

 

But, this is mindblowing! AI Mode not only answered our question but also provided us with recommendations and a timeline to see results. This predictability is the result of hundreds of related queries that were broken down and collected together to give the user a comprehensive answer. 

 

The effect on evergreen content websites is enormous, that we know for sure! The amount of time any regular user used to spend collecting all of this information through regular searches is twice as much as in AI Mode, or even more. 

 

There are lots of concerns arising with this artificial intelligence revolution, represented by one question: Where does SEO stand among all of this? 

 

AI Mode’s Impact on the SEO Landscape

Until today, there are no numbers on how AI Mode is affecting SEO and websites. However, there are some indications. Evergreen content is the first to be affected in the future. With the easy and fast search process, users will most likely prefer the AI Mode feature. Does that mean that evergreen content is gone for good? No, not really. 

 

There is a huge debate regarding the importance of the evergreen content with AI Mode and AI Overview. For sure, it is affected, and many websites are losing traffic, but no statement from Google says that this type of content is no longer relevant. 

 

Content needs to meet E.E.A.T. metrics more than ever to have a chance to rank! E.E.A.T. (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) are the four most critical metrics that distinguish high-quality content from regular content. Your content needs to add new value to users and shows your in-depth knowledge on the topic. 

 

AI Mode and SEO Content

Google today is focusing on semantic content, where it looks at the context as a whole. Meaning: the exact match-keyword era is over. This approach shows a real and fundamental understanding of the topic. We mention this because AI Mode relies on it when generating answers to queries. 

 

To ensure your content remains valid for AI Mode, you need to shift your mindset when writing from answering to predicting. Think of the user as a starter and the “search intent” (why are the users looking for what they are looking for?). From there, you can craft comprehensive content that covers all the areas of the topic. It’s essential to practice predictability as AI Mode does.  

 

For example, if you are writing about “how to build leg muscles”, you need to go the extra mile. Don’t just explain a few exercises; rather, expand your content to cover:

• Foundational knowledge: Why leg muscles are important (strength, balance, aesthetics, athletic performance).
• Exercises: Compound lifts (squats, deadlifts, lunges), isolation movements, and machine-based options.
• Training techniques: Progressive overload, reps vs. sets, rest times, variations for beginners vs. advanced lifters.
• Supporting factors: Nutrition for muscle growth (protein, calories, supplements), sleep, and recovery.
• Common mistakes: Overtraining, skipping warm-ups, neglecting mobility.
• Extra value: Sample workout routines and FAQ section. 

 

Will AI Mode Replace the Regular Search? 

Absolutely! Yet the numbers on how it will change the search landscape are not clear. Writing E.E.A.T. content remains the first step to begin with. However,  no one can say whether AI Mode will take over the picture even with well-optimized content. That depends on two factors: First, will AI Mode be the default search? This means whether Google will generate AI Mode results in the SERP (search engine results page) as the default form of answers. Until today, there has been no confirmation from Google, so we’re waiting. Second, will the user behaviour shift completely to AI Mode search? Until now, most users still rely on traditional search methods. 

 

In an earlier statement, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that there are 100 million monthly users who use AI Mode in the United States and India. However, this is debatable for several reasons. Each search for any reason, even curiosity, is calculated in this, which means that not necessarily all the 100 million users actually use AI Mode as their default search method. Adding to that, the number doesn’t seem too big compared to the 3.5 billion searches on Google daily.  

 

What we know for sure is that adapting to the trends is not a luxury anymore. If you are not moving ahead, you are left out of the game! Optimizing your content to AI-generated search features is the key.

 

FAQs

• 1. What is the main difference between AI Mode and AI Overview?

AI Overview appears at the top of the search results page with a summarized answer, while AI Mode opens a dedicated page with a more detailed, conversational-style response that often covers multiple aspects of the query.

 

• 2. Is AI Mode available in all MENA countries?

Currently, AI Mode is available for English searches in the MENA region. Support for Arabic and other languages has not yet been officially announced by Google.

 

• 3. How does AI Mode affect website traffic and SEO?

Since AI Mode provides users with direct, comprehensive answers, it may reduce click-through rates to websites, especially for informational or “green” content. However, websites that meet E.E.A.T. (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) standards still have a chance to be cited as references.

 

• 4. Can businesses optimize their content for AI Mode?

Yes. Businesses should focus on creating comprehensive, semantically rich content that anticipates user intent and goes beyond surface-level answers. Adding unique insights, data, and expertise increases the chances of being referenced in AI-generated results.

 

• 5. Will AI Mode replace traditional search methods?

It’s too early to say. While AI Mode is gaining popularity, many users still prefer traditional search results. The shift will largely depend on whether Google makes AI Mode the default and how user behavior evolves.

 

• 6. What kind of content is most at risk with AI Mode?

News and informational or generic “evergreen content” is most vulnerable because AI Mode can already provide quick, direct answers and updates. Content that adds unique value, expert perspectives, or niche insights will be more resilient.