A significant archaeological discovery has been made on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi with the unearthing of a 1,400-year-old Christian cross. The Department of Culture and Tourism announced this find on August 19, 2025, highlighting a profound connection to the region's rich and diverse historical tapestry.
The cross, meticulously molded onto a stucco plaque measuring 27 cm by 17 cm, was discovered within a cluster of courtyard houses situated north of the island's main church and monastery complex. This ancient artifact showcases regional motifs characteristic of Middle Eastern artistry, including a depiction of Golgotha, the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. Archaeologist Maria Gajewska noted the design's resonance with other artifacts found in the Gulf and Mesopotamia, underscoring the interconnectedness of ancient cultures.
The church and monastery complex itself dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE, having been initially discovered in the early 1990s. This site offers invaluable insights into the early Christian community that flourished in the Arabian Peninsula, with previous findings indicating extensive trade networks reaching across the Arabian Gulf and into the Indian Ocean. The recent excavation season specifically focused on the courtyard buildings, yielding the cross alongside pottery and glass vessels, further illuminating the island's historical importance as a hub of early Christian activity.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the discovery as a powerful testament to the UAE's enduring commitment to coexistence and cultural openness. He emphasized that the principle of peaceful coexistence is not a recent development but is deeply embedded in the region's historical foundations. This sentiment is echoed by the understanding that Christianity had a significant presence in the Gulf region, with evidence suggesting communities thrived for centuries, even extending into the early Islamic period, demonstrating a remarkable era of interfaith interaction and shared existence.
The Sir Bani Yas Island site is part of a broader pattern of early Christian settlements found across the Persian Gulf, with similar discoveries made in areas like Jubail in Saudi Arabia and Failaka Island in Kuwait. These findings collectively paint a picture of a vibrant Christian presence that predates Islam and continued for a period afterward, showcasing a rich cultural exchange and a testament to the region's historical role as a crossroads of civilizations.