A Rare Discovery in Abu Dhabi
Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,400-year-old Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the most significant finds in the emirate’s recent history. The stucco plaque was unearthed from an ancient monastery during excavations led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The capital has seen a wave of heritage milestones recently, from Saadiyat Island’s glow-up into a cultural supernova to global exhibitions that highlight the region’s past and future.
Links to Ancient Iraq and Kuwait
The cross closely resembles others uncovered in Iraq and Kuwait, connecting it to the Church of the East and its spread across the Gulf more than a millennium ago.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, described the find as a symbol of “coexistence and cultural openness” that has defined the region for centuries.
Globally, discoveries of this kind have been chronicled by institutions such as Smithsonian Magazine, underscoring how early Christian communities shaped the cultural map of the Middle East.
Sir Bani Yas Island’s Christian Roots
Before it became known for wildlife safaris and luxury escapes, Sir Bani Yas was a religious retreat. Monasteries flourished here during the sixth and seventh centuries, alongside similar sites in Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
Today, travelers can walk among gazelles while also stepping into history. For those seeking inspiration, Abu Dhabi’s cultural energy is equally alive at events like the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial and the ever-expanding Abu Dhabi Art fair.
Excavations: From 1992 to Now
Archaeological digs on the island began in 1992, when the remains of a church and monastic complex were uncovered. Excavations resumed this year, and the newly discovered cross—27cm long, 17cm wide, and 2cm thick—is already being hailed as the most celebrated find so far.
Researchers are also examining nearby courtyard houses believed to have housed monks in retreat. Interest in heritage sites continues to grow, much like the excitement around Zayed National Museum which will open later this year.
Visiting the Sir Bani Yas Church
Thanks to a restoration project in 2019, the Sir Bani Yas church and monastery are preserved under protective shelters and open to the public. Artefacts such as glass chalices, stucco crosses, and a stamp seal with a scorpion motif are displayed at the site.
The island has become one of those rare destinations where you can spot wildlife, stroll through nature reserves, and then step into an ancient monastery within minutes. For travelers who want to combine heritage with luxury, experiences like the Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi retreat make the journey unforgettable.
