Archaeologists Uncover 1,400-Year-Old Christian Cross on Sir Bani Yas Island

Archaeologists have made a significant discovery on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, unearthing a 1,400-year-old Christian cross. This find, announced in August 2025, provides compelling evidence of a Christian monastery and monastic community that coexisted with Muslims until the site's abandonment in the eighth century.

The cross, measuring approximately 27 cm by 17 cm, is adorned with regional motifs, including a stepped pyramid symbolizing Golgotha, the site of Jesus' crucifixion, and sprouting leaves at its base. Dots embellish the tips of the cross arms, and an arched niche design is also present. The style of the cross suggests connections to the Church of the East, a denomination with origins in ancient Iraq, as it bears similarities to artifacts found in Iraq and Kuwait.

This marks a pivotal moment, being the first major excavation on Sir Bani Yas Island in over three decades, building upon initial discoveries made in the early 1990s. A new fieldwork campaign, initiated by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in January 2025, led to this remarkable find. The Sir Bani Yas church and monastery, which have been protected since 2019, are now accessible to the public, featuring enhanced facilities and informative displays.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the discovery's profound significance, stating it is a testament to the UAE's enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness. Further studies, including radiocarbon analysis, are planned for the unearthed artifacts.

Historical context reveals that Christianity spread across the Arabian Gulf between the 4th and 6th centuries CE, prior to the advent of Islam in the 7th century. The Church of the East, in particular, had a significant presence in the region, with monasteries and churches established in various locations, including Failaka Island, Kharg Island, and Jubail. Archaeological evidence suggests that Christian communities persisted in the Gulf region until at least the 9th century, even after the arrival of Islam.

The monastery on Sir Bani Yas is believed to have housed around 30 to 40 monks and was part of a broader network of Christian sites across the Persian Gulf. The presence of the cross confirms that the surrounding houses were indeed part of this Christian settlement, likely serving as residences for senior monks engaged in periods of solitude and spiritual discipline before communal gatherings.