Sir Bani Yas Island encapsulates the story of Abu Dhabi and the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates. This island is rich in natural wonders, inviting visitors to marvel at its biodiversity and geological formations.

There are also cultural treasures to be discovered. In 1992, archaeologists found the remains of a Christian church and monastery, dating to the seventh and eighth centuries CE. This highlights the tolerance of different faiths in the early years of Islam — a message that remains deeply engrained in the society of the United Arab Emirates today.

As Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan sought to conserve Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage, so did he protect its natural environment, establishing Sir Bani Yas Island as a nature reserve in 1971. It is home to thousands of animals and birds, including endangered species.

Neolithic stone tools and further archaeological discoveries point to 8,000 years of human activity, while the existence of salt domes and minerals dates back millions of years. Among the most important finds are plaster stucco fragments of friezes, featuring cross and floral decorations similar to other early Christian sites.

The Church and Monastery of Sir Bani Yas invites readers to explore the island further, with booklet sections on geology, ancient maritime trade, archaeological discoveries, the economy and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.