I would be careful about not declaring a tattoo. Emirates have been known to boot applicants for lying on applications. Even if you have it removed, the form you subit at the AD asks if you have tattoos. If you say no and you have one, that is a lie.
Bear in mind also that removal is not always perfect, it may leave a scar and then you will have to explain where that came from as it was not there at the AD (they ask about if you have any visible scars)
So I would err on the side of caution, maybe start the removal process, cover it with a bandaid and if they ask say it is a covered wound as you have had a tattoo removed. That way you explain both that you have a tattoo and why you might have a scar later.
(Scars are not usually a problem if not too large, they said it is just for medical/ID purposes should you have an accident. Honesty in my opinion is always the best policy in these cases!!! EK are not Qatar, discuss with the recruiters and see what they tell you)