ABU DHABI // Almost two decades since its discovery, and more than a thousand years since it was built, the UAE's only known Christian archaeological site is set to open to the public.
The Christian monastery on Sir Bani Yas island, believed to have been built about 600 AD, was discovered on the 87 square kilometre island of Sir Bani Yas during excavations in 1992.
A new phase of work is underway by archaeologists, and treasures are still being unearthed, making the site a significant focal point for history enthusiasts worldwide.
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), said, "We are delighted to be opening this ancient site to the public, which gives visitors an insight into the rich history of Sir Bani Yas Island and the UAE. We are proud of our heritage and are therefore focused on creating a multi-experience tourism destination where guests are able to enjoy a variety of activities, while protecting and preserving the history and culture of our country, as well as the natural environment of the island."
The team of archaeologists excavating the site, which is believed to have been built by the Church of the East (also known as the East Syrian Church), was led by the archaeological director Dr Joseph Elders. Dr Elders oversaw the initial surveys of the site in the 1990s. He is currently the chief archeologist for the Church of England, responsible for the preservation of thousands of English churches.
"Opening the site to visitors marks an exciting tourism development for the island as we seek to discover and share more about the past lives and human stories that have played their part in creating its fascinating history. We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience this precious asset on Sir Bani Yas," said Dr Elders.
Artifacts unearthed so far include more than 15 types of pottery, glass vessels, ceremonial vases and richly decorated elaborate plasterwork stucco. The decorative designs that adorn them provide great insight into how the 7th Century inhabitants of the island led their lives.
Sir Bani Yas Island has been inhabited for more than 7,500 years, and more than 36 archaeological sites have been found on the island since surveys and excavations began. These include a circular tomb thought to be 4,000 years old, a fortified watchtower, a mosque and evidence of the ancient pearling industry. In the future it is hoped that these sites will be opened to the public also.
WAM
See tomorrow's edition of The National for a special report on Sir Bani Yas island.
The biog
Place of birth: Kalba
Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren
Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken
Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah
Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
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More on animal trafficking
IPL 2018 FINAL
Sunrisers Hyderabad 178-6 (20 ovs)
Chennai Super Kings 181-2 (18.3 ovs)
Chennai win by eight wickets
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
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7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeem, Jim Crowley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
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- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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How much of your income do you need to save?
The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.
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Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.
