When Temporary Tattoos Are Allowed In The United Arab Emirates And Will Be Hot

Tattoo illustration. (Source: Le Inka)

JAKARTA - Although it is more moderate and open than other Arab countries, including the easing of alcoholic drinks, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still classified as a country that prohibits tattoos.

Although tourists wear tattoos, tattooing in the country is still prohibited. Because of the applicable regulations and self-defeating judgments.

However, Le Inka, which was founded by husband-wife couple Ishrath and Safa Hasmin, is able to present temporary tattoos that are creative, halal and in accordance with UAE regulations, without compromising their artistic and artistic value.

Launched in 2019, it specializes in Jagua tattoos, created using extracts of genipa americana or jagua, a fruit commonly found in parts of South America.

The gel formula is vegan, plant-based and organic and can be applied to the skin using a stencil. The results are similar to henna tattoos, only the application time is shorter by 30-60 minutes, with the final result lasting up to one to three weeks.

"In the past we had a lot of requests for black henna, but if you really examine it, we find that black henna is dangerous because it is mixed with harmful chemicals," Israth told The National News.

"So we started looking for natural, organic and harmless alternatives to black henna. And that's when we found jagua ink," continued Ishrath. Safa his wife is known to be a famous henna artist and the founder of the first online henna shop in the United Arab Emirates.

Tattoo illustrations. (Source: Le Inka)

When she saw the final result of the design, she realized that it didn't have to be limited to women. His hunch is that Le Inka products will become a hit among men and women as tattoos.

Israth says the temporary nature of the tattoos also allows customers to experiment more with their designs. Because the wearer doesn't have to worry about their body art getting older, some of the brand's most popular stencils are unique, funny, or related to specific events or situations.

“We are constantly releasing new options or stencils to our customers. For example, those related to Mother's Day, Eid and breast cancer are very popular. We also launched a COVID-19 themed stencil. Arabic calligraphy and pet names are also popular choices," Israth said.

Explained by him, the advantage of temporary tattoos is individuality. If you want to create your own design and theme, you can do this by showing the desired design.

"Usually people use a standard design for their first or second try. But with their third tattoo, they want something unique to them," said Israth.

No wonder this temporary tattoo material has also penetrated the international world in 15 countries, including Oman, England, Germany and the United States.

However, not everything went smoothly, as there were still misunderstandings about what they were trying to do. Permanent tattoos are forbidden in Islam, so sometimes their products are seen with suspicion.

"We have customers who ask about tattoos. We answer, we are Muslims and we will not do this if it is not allowed (Islam)," explained Ishrath.

“We know the sensibility that revolves around the topic. But there is no use of needles, there is no danger of infection and there is no pain with this tattoo, because it is not permanent."

Israth believes that after being officially allowed to appear in the UAE, this temporary tattoo business will become increasingly popular, especially among millennials.

"It's become more trendy these days, especially among millennials. People just want a way to express themselves," concluded.