How about going on a heritage trip to one of UAE’s oldest sites? Well, this is now possible as the oldest Christian site in the country is now open to public. Docked on Sir Bani Yas islands, the church and monastery dates back to the seventh and eighth centuries. It was first discovered in the 90s.
What’s It?
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has given the site a fresh, new makeover and has now made is a tourist attraction. The monastery is located on the eastern side of the island is is believed to be established by a community of monks. The site is said to have dormitories, a kitchen, a burial ground and a bell tower, where people gathered for prayer.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance, who opened the site 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 long-standing values of tolerance and acceptance in our lands.”
Earlier, the site was a prominent zone for traders and travelers. Artefacts found at the site confirmed that the church and monastery belonged to the Christian network during the Islamic history. Although the site was discovered in 1992, it was only recently that it was recognized as a church. Last year, the board designed a new shelter in order to increase tourist experience and preserve the site from natural disasters.
What Else?
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s happening entertainment hub has yet another fancy adventure in its kitty. Swimmers and deep sea divers, here’s something that will get your heart rate raising. Yas Island has launched a new pearl diving experience, letting tourists experience true Emirati culture and tradition.
On arriving at the site, you are taught the traditional methods of diving and pearling after which you will learn the knack of harvesting real oysters from pearl beds.
The Pearl Diving expedition is open to all age groups, every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. The expedition is priced at AED 500 per adult, 250 AED per child between the ages of 8-12, and free for children under 8 years old.