UAE: Uncontrolled on Sir Bani Yas Island of the 7th century Christian Cross Abu Dhabi. world News

A new open Christian cross from the seventh to eighth century monastery on the island of Abu Dhabi is providing a rare insight into the deep-rooted religious co-existence of the region. Found during the first major excavation on the island in more than 30 years, the search is an important moment in the UAE’s archaeological record and strengthens the story of its multicultural past.

A redistribution in three decades in making

In January 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) launched a new archaeological campaign on Sir Bani Yas Island, located away from the coast of Al Dhafra region. It marked the first major excavation on the island in 30 years. The most important conclusions of the season were a Christian cross, which was molded on a plaster (plaster) plaque, which was exposed within one of the courtyards of the courtyard near a historic monastery. The cross is believed to have been used by monks for spiritual reflection, associated with the church of the east, an early Christian sect with origin in the ancient Iraq. It has stylistic similarities for the first found in Iraq and Kuwait, which points to the monastery relationship with a broad religious network that once spread as China from the Middle East. 27 cm in length, 17 cm in width and about 2 cm thick, plaster crosses are adorned with regional motifs. These include a steps represented by Golgota, the hill on which Jesus was crucified, the leaves were inscribed on the base, dots on the tips of cross arms, and an arched niche design. According to archaeologist Maria Gajuska, who lead the excavation team, “visually, every element of the plaster cross includes regional motifs … all find regional similarities in the Gulf and Mesopotamia., Talk to The nationalGajuska described the discovery as a “very exciting discovery” and as a rare example, where archaeologists can clearly identify the community that once occupies one place. “We were just digging at the right place … incredible,” he said.

The cross was discovered in February 2025 by DCT Abu Dhabi by a Amirati archaeologist Hagar Al Menhali. “The plaster was resting the face and some about it attracted my attention,” she told The national“There was a different fingerprint on the back.” Thinking that print alone was important, Al Menhali proposed to register the object as a special discovery. But when the team overturned it carefully, they were stunned to see a well protected cross. “It was one of the most important discoveries of the season,” said Al Menhali. The search occurred inside the house of a courtyard to the north of the main church and the monastery site of the island, an area that was not deepened till this season. The region is now used by monks in retreat or solitude. The surrounding buildings, for some islands built with limestone and coral natives, facilitate thick walls and water pools, a lifestyle signs are more than one of the strict ascetic. These characteristics show that early Christian residents were not only teachings, but members of a large, structured monastery community.

Sir Bani Yas has long held archaeological significance. The Abu Dhabi Islands under the leadership of the UAE were first discovered by the Archaeological Survey (ADIAS), a Christian monastery, who returned to the seventh or eighth century CE in 1992. Since then, the excavation has revealed a church and the monastery complex that operates together. Current interpretations suggest that while the monastery acts as a broad communal religious place, individual monks will retreat in nearby courtyards for separate thinking. The recent discovery of the plaster cross provides strong evidence that Christianity was not limited to the monastery, but allowed other parts of the island community. At its peak, Christianity in the Arabian Peninsula flourished between the fourth and the sixth century. Sir Bani Yas is part of a network of Christian sites that emerged during this period, which have similarities found in Um al Quavan, Kuwait, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Christianity is believed to have been kept in existence with Islam until the CE of the eighth century, when the site was left peacefully. Interestingly, the archaeological team has not found any evidence of sudden destruction or struggle on the site. Instead, the clean and intact position of buildings suggest a deliberate departure, possibly expecting a return. This season includes additional pieces of pottery and a sea-green glass bottle, which is possibly used to catch oil or rose water. These artifacts, along with others such as a stamp seal with a scorpion shape and glass moves from the earlier diges, are now displayed in a small site exhibition.

Sir Bani Yas Church and Math are now sheltered and preserved, thanks to the restoration works done by DCT Abu Dhabi in 2019. This site is open to the public, which has better signage and visitor facilities. A multi-confidence church, inspired by the original structures, is also built near the visitor center to symbolize the values of unity and co-existence.Further excavations are planned in the houses of the courtyard, in the intention to integrate them to a large cultural mark connecting them in the island. Domestic wildlife, including Arabs Gazels and Rock Hyrax, are also part of the widespread heritage scenario, known to live in the island since ancient times. DCT Abu Dhabi is conducting radiocarbon dating and intensive analysis of new uncontrolled artifacts.Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, president of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the widespread importance of discovery, linked to the permanent cultural values of UAE.“The discovery of this ancient Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island is a powerful will for the intense and permanent values of the co -existence and cultural openness of the UAE. It shakes a deep sense of pride and respect within us and reminds us that peaceful co -existence is not a modern construction, but there is a principle woven in the history of our region.”He also highlighted the long -term impact of archaeological functions on the island and its relevance for future generations:“Searchs going on from Sir Bani Yas Island, even after 30 years of research and excavation, underlines the importance of our cultural heritage and our continuous commitment for its conservation and understanding … These discoveries deepen our relationship for the past and motivate the future generations and motivate our community for a long time.”