Google review cards: how to get more reviews in the UAE (the right way)

With Google handling 95.8% of searches in the UAE, your Google rating is often the first thing a new customer sees. Yet most happy customers never leave a review — not because they don't want to, but because finding the review button takes too many steps.

A Google review card or stand removes those steps. Customers tap their phone on it and your Google review form opens, ready for their stars and comments.

What is a Google review card?

A Google review card is an NFC card programmed with your business's Google review link. When a customer taps it with their phone, the review form opens directly — no searching for your business, no app. A review stand does the same from a counter or table, so it's always there when customers are happiest.

Step 1: find your Google review link

You'll need your review link when you order.

1. Sign in to the Google account that manages your Google Business Profile.
2. Search for your business name on Google (or open Google Maps). Your profile management tools appear.
3. Choose Ask for reviews (sometimes shown as Get more reviews).
4. Copy the link. It usually starts with https://g.page/ and ends in /review.

Test it on your phone: it should open the review form for your business.

Step 2: choose a card, a stand — or both

Typical UAE prices are based on sellers' advertised prices in September 2026. Cardly.ae prices are one-time and include VAT, with delivery across the UAE.

Step 3: place them where the good moments happen

• Restaurants and cafés: at the till, in the bill folder, or on tables near the end of service.
• Salons and spas: at reception during checkout, when customers are admiring the result.
• Clinics: at reception after the appointment — and check your healthcare regulator's advertising rules first.
• Retail: by the payment terminal or on the packing table.
• Hotels: at the front desk during checkout and in the lobby.

One stand per service point is usually enough. Keep it clean and visible, and make sure staff know it's there.

Step 4: know what to say

A short, consistent line works better than a hard sell:

• “If you enjoyed it, a quick Google review really helps us — just tap your phone here.”
• In Arabic: «إذا أعجبتك الخدمة، يسعدنا تقييمك على Google — فقط المس هاتفك هنا.»

Say it to every customer at the same point in their visit, not just the ones who look delighted.

Stay within Google's rules

Google's policies for reviews exist to keep ratings trustworthy. In short:

• Don't offer incentives. No discounts, freebies or prize draws in exchange for reviews.
• Don't selectively ask for reviews. Ask all customers, not only those you expect to be positive. Filtering who you ask (“review gating”) isn't allowed.
• Don't write or buy reviews, and don't ask staff, friends or family to review your business.
• Don't pressure customers or review your own business.

Reviews that break these rules can be removed, and repeated violations can affect your Business Profile. Genuine reviews, collected consistently, build a rating customers trust.

Step 5: respond to reviews

• Reply to every review, ideally within a week — a short thank-you is enough for positive ones.
• Answer criticism calmly and helpfully. Acknowledge the issue, explain what you'll do and invite the customer to contact you directly.
• Reply in the reviewer's language where you can. In the UAE that often means Arabic or English.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Hiding the stand. A stand behind the till or under a pile of menus won't be used. Put it where guests naturally pause and can see it.
• Asking at the wrong moment. Don't ask while a guest is queueing, paying in a hurry or waiting for a delayed order. Ask when the experience is complete and has gone well — the same moment for everyone.
• Using an old link. If you moved location or merged Business Profiles, test the link before you order and after any change.
• Forgetting new staff. Add the one-sentence ask and the stand's location to onboarding, so the habit survives staff turnover.
• Ignoring what reviews say. Reviews are free feedback. Share recurring comments with the team every month and fix what keeps coming up.

Measure what's working

Note your review count and average rating at the start of each month. After placing a stand, you should be able to see whether review volume changes. Ask staff which moments and phrases work best, and move stands to where they get used.

Look beyond the star average, too: the number of recent reviews and how quickly you reply both shape how new customers judge you. A steady flow of fresh, genuine reviews usually matters more than a perfect score from years ago.

What about phones without NFC?

Most recent iPhones and Android phones read NFC — and Android accounts for roughly 78% of UAE mobile page views. For older phones, display a printed QR code of your review link next to your stand as a backup.

Beyond reviews: give your venue a digital card

A review stand gets you reviews; a digital business card answers everything else guests ask — opening hours, menu, location and WhatsApp reservations — on one bilingual link. It's free on Cardly.ae. See Cardly.ae for hospitality.