A newly unearthed plaster cross on a remote island southwest of Abu Dhabi is offering new insight into the historical spread of Christianity across the Arabian Peninsula.

According to CNA, a 30-centimeter cross discovered at a centuries-old monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island has been dated to the seventh or eighth century A.D., shedding light on a well-established Christian presence in the region during that era.

The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi announced that the cross was located during ongoing excavation work conducted earlier this year. The artifact was retrieved from the courtyard of one of the homes within an ancient Christian monastery, emphasizing the religious significance of the structure during its time of use.

Sir Bani Yas Island, situated approximately 106 miles southwest of Abu Dhabi, has long been known for its archaeological significance. The island previously revealed evidence of Christian life, but this discovery adds substantial detail to historians’ understanding of the religious landscape of the region in antiquity.

Experts believe the 30-centimeter (approximately 11.8 inches) cross dates back to the seventh or eighth century. Its design is described as Eastern in style, closely resembling Christian crosses excavated in nearby countries such as Iraq and Kuwait.

Early Christian Roots in the Persian Gulf

The stylistic similarities to artifacts in Iraq and Kuwait point to early associations with the Eastern Church. This branch of Christianity had strong roots across Mesopotamia and the broader Gulf region and suggests possible cultural or ecclesiastical connections between Christian communities.

These findings reinforce the notion that Christianity was both practiced and organized in what is now known as the United Arab Emirates well before the emergence of Islam. The presence of a full monastery further indicates a structured religious life, not just passing contact.

The location of the discovery—a courtyard within one of the monastery’s houses—also reveals how integrated the ritual object may have been in the daily spiritual life of the community. It’s possible the cross served both decorative and devotional functions.

Excavation Adds Depth to Regional History

The excavation campaign that led to the artifact's discovery began earlier in 2025, building on decades of archaeological interest in Sir Bani Yas Island. Over the years, studies have revealed limestone walls, plastered courtyards, and even stairways, leading scholars to believe that religious structures were once prominent on the island.

With each new finding, experts are better able to piece together the region’s multilayered religious history. The newly uncovered cross now joins a growing body of evidence suggesting a strong Christian footprint in the southern Gulf well before the region's Islamic transformation.

This plaster cross is considered unusually well-preserved given its composition and age. Plaster artifacts typically degrade more quickly than those made of stone or metal, making this survival particularly valuable for researchers.

Stylistic Signatures of Distant Origins

While the exact origins of the monastery's builders remain unclear, the design motifs present in the cross hint at influence or even direct interaction with Christian groups from what is now Iraq and Kuwait. Additionally, the resemblance suggests that religious ideas and artistic traditions traveled across long distances, even in antiquity.

According to specialists, the design of the cross may help in mapping historical ecclesiastical networks in the region. These connections provide insight into how early Christian communities communicated, worshipped, and shared religious symbols.

The recent discovery opens a window into a complex spiritual heritage, underlining how Christianity occupied an active place in the Gulf's cultural mosaic. For archaeologists, objects like this are particularly crucial because they offer physical confirmation of historical texts and oral traditions.

Future Research and Preservation Plans

The Department of Culture and Tourism has not yet detailed plans for the artifact’s exhibition or storage, but items of similar importance are commonly preserved through local conservation programs or displayed in curated museum spaces around the region.

Further excavation is likely to continue at the monastery site, as researchers hope to identify additional artifacts or structures that could further illuminate the nature of Christian worship and community life during the time period.

For now, the plaster cross stands as one of the region’s key recent archaeological finds, symbolizing a chapter of local history often overshadowed by more dominant narratives. Its presence may prompt new interest in the diverse religious heritage of the Middle East.