I assume you stumbled on this page either because you are a resident of Dubai and wanted if it is legally okay for you to get a tattoo or had a curiosity if one of the strict Islamic states condone the idea of getting a tattoo?
We have a major report on the topic for you and would like to present it to you in a simple, easy-to-understand language so that you can garner a clear understanding of what is allowed, what is not allowed, and whether or not one should even bother getting a tattoo.
First of all, it is important to know that the word Islamic state means a lot of things.
If you hear someone speaking about an Islamic state, what he/she might be referring to is the fact that Islam has commanded its followers to adopt certain rules and regulations to live their lives according to the standards set by Allah himself.
Indeed, it is true that a lot of Muslim countries do follow these social and moral standards religiously and strictly. Some Muslim countries are also quite lenient and flexible to some rules depending upon their state’s interpretation of social morality.
Here in Dubai, a tattoo is not a crime in and of itself, and obtaining a tattoo is not a criminal offense. Therefore, if proper precautionary measures are taken, it’s not a case of being arrested or fined for getting a tattoo!
Are Tattoo Shops Legal In Dubai?
Yes, a lot of people are aware that tattoo shops are legal in Dubai, but certain rules and regulations need to be followed by the shopkeeper.
The tattoo shop should not handle any kind of illegal activity. We advise you not to visit a shop that looks like it is doing something illegal because you might be caught up in the mess and get into trouble.
Remember, if you are at all concerned about the laws, simply find a reputable artist in Dubai who has experience in doing tattoos!
Most of the renowned tattoo artists are linked with a reliable shop and will be able to give you advice on what is legal in Dubai. You can get all the information from them before you make your move.
Also, make sure the artist has already worked in Dubai for some time and has a reputation for creating beautiful tattoos!
This is to ensure the safety of the customer, as well as to ensure that members of the public living in the vicinity of such tattoo shops do not get offended or annoyed by the sight of tattoos being offered for sale.
Some certain rules and restrictions need to be complied with before getting a tattoo shop license. These include:
- The shop must not offer any illegal products or services like drugs, weapons, etc. This can be easily avoided by just making sure there’s no such thing available for sale in your store!
- The shop must be clean and hygienic, free from all types of impurities.
- There should be adequate space available on the premises for a doctor’s certificate to be issued. This is to certify that no infectious disease is being passed on or spread by the use of a tattoo needle.
- The shop must see a major cleanup and modernization before approval can be given, including adequate lighting and ventilation inside the shop.
- The shop must be able to comply with all safety measures like proper bio-hazard disposal staff and disposal of waste, spillage, and so on.
- The shop must prominently display a valid license issued by Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- Last but not least, a tattoo with a design that may provoke the state’s culture and religious beliefs is not allowed.
What Is The Legal Age To Get A Tattoo In Dubai?
Like any other place on earth, Dubai has its own set of laws governing the age at which a minor can get a tattoo.
Dubai has laid down certain rules which may become necessary for one to consider before getting a tattoo.
It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the legal age limit without the consent of a parent or guardian, and even then if such a person is younger than 18 years old.
This is because not everyone can be trusted with the responsibility of tattooing. This is to ensure that the young person is not being forced or persuaded into getting a tattoo of his/her own.
It is particularly close to the heart of most parents to make sure that their child is well-protected, and one of the best ways to ensure a child’s safety is to make sure that they are not exposed to anything they are not mature enough for.
What Tattoos Are Offensive In Dubai?
Here in Dubai tattoo shops are allowed to offer tattoos of men and women alike, but what kind of designs are allowed?
As a tattoo artist, you have to be responsible for what comes out of your hands – likewise, if you make a mistake or error in judgment and choose to tattoo someone who isn’t old enough, you in turn are accountable for the deed.
Since a tattoo is a permanent image on the human body, it has to be symbolic and related to certain themes.
Such symbols and themes do not have to be related to religion or culture. The idea is that the themes should be culturally acceptable and relate to certain subjects that are deemed appropriate.
• Rude words
The first class of images that are unacceptable in terms of artistic design is that of rude words, regardless of language.
This is quite common sense as one cannot go around with tattoos that have offensive meanings. In addition, it also includes the names of people who are considered to be offensive.
• Tattoos depicting nudity
Tattoos are not allowed to show people in the nude, whether for fun or artistic flair. Any depiction of the human form in such a manner is considered to be offensive and therefore prohibited.
• Social or political commentary
Social commentary and political satire have been severely frowned upon by the government because it often leads to religious debate among certain communities and can lead to sectarian clashes. Such tattoos should be avoided at all times.
• Tattoos depicting abuse of illegal substances
Tattoos that depict the use of illegal substances or addiction to drugs are not allowed.
These are forbidden by law, so if you plan on getting such a tattoo, it would be best to get it somewhere else where such laws do not apply. This is especially relevant for youngsters who wish to get tattoos that depict smoking and similar activities.
Tattoos that depict the use of illegal substances or addiction to drugs are not allowed.
These are forbidden by law, so if you plan on getting such a tattoo, it would be best to get it somewhere else where such laws do not apply. This is especially relevant for youngsters who wish to get tattoos that depict smoking and similar activities.
• Tattoos depicting terrorism or criminal activity
Any tattoos that depict violence, terror attacks, and criminal activity are strictly forbidden by law. Such images will lead to arrests, police investigations and therefore can land you in a lot of legal trouble if discovered.
• Religious Symbols
Tattoos that depict religious symbols from other religions are prohibited.
If a tattoo in question relates to any faith, it is best to check with knowledgeable sources before getting the tattoo done, because various places have different views on what constitutes a blasphemous act. “Blasphemy” and “insulting religion” are crimes in Dubai, so taking such things into account can help you avoid potential legal trouble. Here is a good article on tattoos in Islam.
• Symbols of hate
Any symbols or signs that show hate towards any community or religion are banned under the law. Such images will lead to arrests and investigation into your activity and affiliations. You can avoid a lot of trouble if you just keep away from such tattoos.
Any symbols or signs that show hate towards any community or religion are banned under the law. Such images will lead to arrests and investigation into your activity and affiliations. You can avoid a lot of trouble if you just keep away from such tattoos.
And if you want to know the consequence is being banned for life if the tattoo’s seen offensive under such circumstances. In the UAE it is not permitted to tattoo a person’s body that is considered inappropriate based on cultural, religious, or political grounds. In case you wish to get tattooed know your rights and consult an expert first before doing it.
What Is The Tattoo Price In Dubai?
As you can see, getting a tattoo in Dubai is not as big of a deal as it may seem to be.
There are a lot of rules and regulations to follow and these are necessary for the safety of the artist, customer, and everyone else involved. In this case, regulations ensure that all parties involved have their rights protected and respected at all times.
The prices of tattoos vary according to several factors like the design chosen, size, complexity, and so on. The standard price for a tattoo is anywhere from 25 to 600AED in Dubai. It all depends on what you want and what you are willing to spend on it.
It is suggested that if you are looking for a tattoo of high quality and are willing to spend more, get it done in a well-known studio in the city.
This way you can be sure that your tattoo is going to come out looking just the way you want it. You can also save money by going to cheaper studios with lower standards and quality of work
In short – depending on what you want and how much you are willing to spend, getting a tattoo in Dubai isn’t as daunting as many people think it is. All you need is a bit of research to ensure that you get the quality of work and price you want.