An ancient cross discovered at the site of a Christian monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island
- Last updated: August 19, 2025 | 22:42
The Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has revealed its latest archaeological excavation: a newly discovered cross moulded on a stucco plaque from the ancient monastery of Sir Bani Yas, an island off the coast of the Al Dhafra Region in Abu Dhabi.
The discovery serves as a vivid reminder of the UAE's rich history and underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to uncovering and preserving the emirate’s rich cultural heritage.
In January 2025, DCT Abu Dhabi conducted a new campaign of fieldwork on Sir Bani Yas Island. During the excavation, a cross, a symbol of the Christian faith, was found on a moulded plaque made of plaster, which served as an object of spiritual contemplation by the monks. The style of the cross appeared to have parallels with others from Iraq and Kuwait, and is associated with the Church of the East, with its origins in ancient Iraq.
A seventh-to eighth-century CE Christian monastery was discovered in 1992 by the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey, working under the direction of UAE leadership. Since then, excavations have revealed a church and a monastic complex which was occupied at the same time as the monastery. They are currently interpreted as separate spaces, where more senior monks retreated for periods of contemplation and ascetic seclusion.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, commented: “The discovery of this ancient Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island is a powerful testament to the UAE’s profound and enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness. It stirs within us a deep sense of pride and honour, and reminds us that peaceful coexistence is not a modern construct, but a principle woven into the very fabric of our region’s history. The ongoing discoveries from Sir Bani Yas Island, even after 30 years of research and excavation, underscore the magnitude of our cultural legacy and the importance of our continued commitment to its preservation and understanding. As DCT Abu Dhabi continues to uncover these valuable stories, we reaffirm our dedication to preserving, promoting, and protecting Abu Dhabi’s diverse heritage, one that we are honoured to share with the world. These discoveries deepen our connection to the past and inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of unity and mutual respect that has long defined our community.”
The archaeologists are presently researching and exploring a group of courtyard houses near the monastery, where ancient Christian monks lived in spiritual retreat.
Sir Bani Yas is part of a group of churches and monasteries which appeared across the region around the same time, with other examples excavated in Umm Al Quwain, Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Christianity spread and waned across the Arabian Peninsula throughout the Late Antique and Early Islamic Arabian Gulf between the fourth and sixth centuries CE. Christians and Muslims thereafter lived in co-existence until the eighth century CE, when the Sir Bani Yas monastery was peacefully abandoned. Today, set among their nature reserves with gazelles and hyrax roaming the island grounds, the church and monastery serve as a poignant reminder of the ancient past of Abu Dhabi Emirate.
As part of restoration efforts undertaken by DCT Abu Dhabi in 2019, the church and monastery are now protected by shelters. The Sir Bani Yas church and monastery site has reopened to the public with improved facilities and services including informational and directional signage and a small exhibition of artefacts from past excavations. These include glass chalices, a cross-shaped stucco and a stamp seal with a scorpion motif. A multi-faith church, inspired by the ancient site, has been built next to the visitor centre.
DCT Abu Dhabi will continue to excavate the courtyard houses in the coming years, which in the future may be added to a broader visitor trail linked to the cultural sites of Sir Bani Yas Island.