Should I cover up my tattoo when visiting the Middle East?
I stumbled upon a question on blending in in Egypt, in which one user warns that Egyptians regard tattooed people as criminals or foreigners.
How big of a problem will tattoos be for a regular tourist? Obviously you should cover your ink when visiting a mosque or a fancy restaurant, but I'm thinking more in general.
Is this a general opinion of the people in the Middle-East or Arabian countries? Is it tied to religion (and therefore also in other muslim countries) or culture?
I will be travelling to Egypt soon, and I have a tattoo that is visible even in short sleeves. I am also considering a simple skull-and-bone tattoo, which will be covered in short sleeves, but not when I lose the shirt on the beach, when trekking or whatever.
Best Answer
It is totally okay to visit Egypt with a tattoo.
I am 100% Egyptian and I have tattoos in many parts of my body and nobody can say anything. It does not identify me as a criminal or anything. It is just normal.
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Can you show tattoos in Dubai?
Of course, this then leads many expatriates to ask are tattoos allowed in Dubai and the UAE. Having tattoos is perfectly fine and legal. And if you're asking can you show tattoos in Dubai? Yes you can.How do Arabs feel about tattoos?
The majority of Muslims consider permanent tattoos to be haram (forbidden), based on hadith (oral traditions) of the prophet Muhammad. The details provided in hadith help to understand the traditions relevant to tattoos as well as other forms of body art.Are tattoos allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia \u2013 tattoos are illegal due to Sharia Law (foreigners with tattoos must cover them and they should remain covered until the person leaves the country) Afghanistan \u2013 tattoos are illegal and banned due to Sharia Law.How are tattoos viewed in Egypt?
As a result of Egypt turning into more of a religiously led country, with a large Muslim population as well as a strong Coptic Christian population, tattooing is largely seen as taboo and against 'social norms' primarily due to it being seen as a sort of sin by Egypt's religious community.More answers regarding should I cover up my tattoo when visiting the Middle East?
Answer 2
Since you are asking for the middle east let me give you and all visitors an idea of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
Plenty of western people in Dubai have tattoos on display in the water parks and the major areas, sensitivity issue is not so much the tattoo but the "owner" and choice of dress. If you are dressed respectful then nobody will complain about a tattoo.
Definitely a no-go are all kind of tattoos that show violence, discrimination or any non muslim related drawings. You better cover up these tattoos.
Since I am working in the first licensed tattoo shop in Dubai, I have quite a lot of experience with this.
Respect is the key everywhere in the world.
Answer 3
I am Egyptian and I live in the middle of the Nile Delta. Here tourists come to discover cultural tourism. Some of them have a tattoo on their bodies and Egyptians regard them as foreigners only. Otherwise, but you must cover the tattoo while visiting mosques!
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