Following extensive conservation efforts, the Church and Monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island has reopened to visitors.

The first Christian site discovered in the UAE dates to the 7th and 8th centuries CE and has undergone several excavations since the first building was discovered in 1992.

Now, never-before-seen sections of the Monastery are visible to the public, giving an insight into daily life in the monastery.

Later stages of the excavation project unveiled walls and courtyard houses that provided an outline for the site while artefacts such as plaster crosses and ceramic objects proved the existence of the church and the inhabitants’ way of life.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, cabinet member and minister of tolerance, said: “The Sir Bani Yas Church and Monastery sheds light on our cultural history, one that we can be proud of; its existence is proof of the longstanding values of tolerance and acceptance in our lands.”

The nature-based Sir Bani Yas Island is located in Al Dhafra in the Western Region, and comprises the Arabian Wildlife Park, salt dome hills, wildlife and adventure activities including safari drives, watersports, mountain biking and horse riding.