Piercings in Dubai - A Guide | ExpatWoman.com
 

A Guide to Getting a Piercing in Dubai

Everything you need to know about getting your ears pierced in Dubai, including the laws

by Rebecca Roberts
Getting a piercing in Dubai

Do you know your antitragus from your conch?

Ear adornments have been ‘in’ for some time now, and it’s safe to say that piercings are once again a big, unfading trend.

From delicate lobe piercings to entirely curated ear designs, dermal and body piercings – getting on board with the piercing trend requires serious thought and planning. Saying that, having one done requires less commitment than a tattoo, and as a result, are favoured by women seeking to enhance their look.

SEE ALSO: Tattoos in Dubai - are they legal, and can you have them in the UAE?

Before you go ahead and book an appointment at one of the places you can get a piercing in Dubai, here’s a complete guide to getting a piercing here.

Are piercings illegal in Dubai?

No, piercings are not illegal in Dubai or the UAE. However, heavily pierced individuals may be faced with problems when entering the country at the airport, due to the wrong assumption that they are associated with black magic.

Despite not being illegal, there are laws in place that surround piercings and getting one in the UAE.

Piercing laws in the UAE

As per the UAE’s Ministry of Health, patients wishing to have a piercing done must do so only in licenced hospitals and medical clinics. Gold shops and pharmacies have been banned from performing piercings since a decree issued by the MOH in 2011.

This law is in place to make sure that any and all piercing is safe and sterile, and performed by medically trained practitioners who can handle any adverse reaction to a piercing.

You must be over the age of 18 years old to get a piercing unaccompanied by an adult. Those under the age of 18 years old should be accompanied by their legal guardian, and most places will request photographic ID or equivalent for your appointment.

What piercings can you get in Dubai?

All licenced practitioners offer ear piercings, and most (if not all) also offer nose piercings. Some offer body piercings like belly button and nipple piercings, and few offer dermal and genitals piercing.

Be sure to do your research and consult with your chosen clinic before arriving for your appointment to make sure you are comfortable with the method of piercing for your chosen area.

Getting a piercing in Dubai

What age can children/babies get their ears pierced?

Some believe that piercing a baby’s ear should be done early as their skin is soft and the sensation of pain may feel lesser. However, doctors recommend that a baby/child’s ears should not be pierced until after the second round of tetanus (DPT) vaccinations when your baby is between three to six months old.

How much do piercings in Dubai cost?

Places like Kyra offer free piercing treatments, but jewellery must be purchased. Prices start as low as AED 165 for a single piercing, with 18 and 14 carat pieces costing a little more.

Other clinics like the celebrity-favoured Maria Tash in The Dubai Mall charge separately for both the piercing treatment, as well as the jewellery.

Can you get a dermal piercing in Dubai?

A dermal piercing, also known as a micro dermal piercing or a single-point piercing, is a piercing that lies on any flat surface of the body and is held in place with a dermal anchor that is installed under the skin.

These are available at few clinics in Dubai, like Kyra and Maria Tash. However, clinics like NMC Specialty Hospital and Mediclinic don’t offer dermal piercings.

 
 

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