Living History at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts
At Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts, discovery extends beyond the shoreline. Alongside the Arabian Wildlife Park and three resorts, the island is also home to significant history. Recently, excavations led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) uncovered a 1,400-year-old Christian cross at the monastery site on the island’s eastern coast.
The plaster cross, decorated with regional motifs, offers valuable insight into the early Christian community that once lived on Sir Bani Yas Island. First uncovered in 1992, the monastery remains one of the oldest known Christian sites in the Arabian Gulf, highlighting the cultural diversity and traditions of coexistence in the region.
The Monastery: A Window to the Past
Dating back to the 7th century, the monastery complex features the outline of a church with a sanctuary, nave, and aisles, as well as living quarters that were once used by monks. Raised platforms indicate burial sites, while pottery and glass fragments point to trade and cultural exchange.
For visitors, walking through the site offers a quiet journey into the daily life of the community that lived there. The discovery of the plaster cross provides a direct connection to their spiritual practices.
Access and Guided Discovery
Visitors can explore the monastery site with complimentary entry offered daily at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. For deeper interpretation, Anantara offers the Culture & History Tour, a 1.5-hour guided experience available twice daily at AED 395 per adult and AED 195 per child. The tour includes the monastery, mosque, and other archaeological sites, alongside stories of falconry and seafaring traditions.
Jonathan Olsen, Activity Guide at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island, explains: “The Culture and History Tour allows us to share the island’s story across many periods, from the Stone Age to the present.”
Where Heritage Meets Hospitality
Monastery visits and cultural tours are part of a broader range of experiences on the island, which also include wildlife drives, horseback adventures, and marine excursions. Combined with Anantara’s hospitality, these encounters allow guests to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of Sir Bani Yas Island.
A stay at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts offers both discovery and reflection, where history, nature, and tradition come together in one destination.
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