Archaeologists recently made a groundbreaking discovery on Sir Bani Yas Island, a remote location in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) known for its luxury resorts and wildlife reserves. The find was a rare Christian cross, dated to the 7th to 8th centuries, which offers valuable insights into the region’s early Christian history. This discovery was announced in August by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, marking the first major excavation on the island in over three decades. The cross was found to be part of a local Christian monastery, which was built during a time of coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the Arabian Peninsula. This period marked a significant era in Islamic history, as early Christianity spread in the region before the Arab conquests. The cross was described as being molded on a plaster plaque, an object believed to have been used by monks for spiritual contemplation. The plaque was found in a shattered condition, but archaeologists were able to reconstruct it, revealing important details about the religious practices of the time. The monastery complex, which included a church and a retreat for senior monks, was part of a larger site that highlights the region’s historical significance. Officials noted that the cross’s design is similar to artifacts found in Iraq and Kuwait, which are associated with the Church of the East, a branch of Christianity with origins in ancient Mesopotamia. This connection underscores the broader network of early Christian communities across the Middle East, even during the early Islamic era. The discovery has been hailed as a powerful testament to the UAE’s cultural openness and its deep historical roots in coexistence. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chair of the culture and tourism department, emphasized the importance of the find, stating that it reflects the UAE’s enduring values of peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity. The site has now been made accessible to the public, with a small exhibition featuring other artifacts from previous excavations, including glass chalices and a cross-shaped stucco. A multi-faith church, inspired by the ancient site, has also been constructed next to the visitor center. This discovery joins a series of recent archaeological finds in the region, including the announcement of two ancient Christian churches in Egypt that are over 1,500 years old. These findings continue to fascinate archaeologists and historians, offering a glimpse into the early Christian communities that thrived in the Middle East long before the rise of major Islamic empires. The ongoing excavations and discoveries not only enrich our understanding of the region’s past but also highlight the importance of preserving and sharing these historical sites for future generations.