A Christian cross was unearthed by archaeologists during an excavation on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Sir Bani Yas Island was part of a cluster of churches and monasteries established while Christianity spread across the Arabian Peninsula between the fourth and sixth centuries. There, Christians and Muslims co-existed until the monastic site was eventually abandoned in the eighth century. Similar sites have been identified in Abu Dhabi’s Umm Al Quwain, Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
In January 2025, DCT Abu Dhabi began excavating the site where experts unearthed the Christian cross molded on a plaster plaque, which is thought to have been used by monks during times of spiritual reflection. The style of the cross resembles others from Iraq and Kuwait and would have been connected to the Church of the East, which originated in present-day Iraq.
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“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,” Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said in a statement.
The site has yielded a number of finds, but this is the first time a major excavation has been conducted in 30 years. In 1992, for example, experts from the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS) found a Christian monastery dating to the seventh and eighth centuries. Since then, they identified a church and a monastic complex from the same period. They are believed to be separate spaces for senior monks to use for times of deep contemplation and seclusion.
“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,” he added.
Since 2019, the church and monastery have been protected by shelters as part of a restoration led by DCT Abu Dhabi. The site also reopened to the public with new signs and a small exhibit of artifacts unearthed during previous excavations. A multi-faith church was also erected nearby the visitor center.
Currently, DCT Abu Dhabi archaeologists are excavating and researching a courtyard of houses close to the monastery.