![A handout picture dated November 28, 2009 made available by Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) shows a general view of the United Arab Emirates' only discovered Christian monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The pre-Islamic monastery, which is believed to have been built around 600 AD, was initially discovered on the 87 square kilometre island of Sir Bani Yas during excavations in 1992 is now open to the public, a statement by the TDIC said December 12, 2010. AFP PHOTO/HO/TDIC/MARTIN PFEIFER -- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE -- / AFP PHOTO / TDIC / Martin Pfeiffer](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CUAQSYQH37GSSLRYNGU5X2OOUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=de2933f1852b921180bd0c9b228e5fa9e9addc861a175f5fba79add6e53fae06&width=400&height=225)
The ruins of the Christian monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. AFP
The ruins of the Christian monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. AFP
Pope's visit speaks to a 1,400-year-old tradition of Christianity in the Gulf
There is a long history of religious tolerance in the UAE, with the earliest evidence of Christians living in the area dating back to 600AD