United Arab Emirates— Tattoo scenes & cities

In Dubai, according to a Gulf News article last updated on 15 September 2018, medical tattoos (covering a scar, flagging a health condition) fell under the Dubai Health Authority and had to be performed by doctors in clinics. Dubai Municipality, the director of its public health department said, licensed only permanent make-up and cosmetic tattoos, while tattoo regulations were then being drafted. Without permission from one or the other, no one could practise.

In an undated legal Q&A, the daily The National states that a tattoo is not in itself a crime, but that having one done by an unlicensed tattoo artist is forbidden because of health risks. The paper also notes that a fatwa from the Official Fatwa Centre of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments deems tattooing forbidden in Islam, and that removal may be required to join the army, the police or certain airlines.