November
06
/ 2022
The ruins of a Christian monastery dating back to the sixth or seventh century have been discovered on sandy Siniyah Island (Al Sinniyah Island), which is located in the southern Persian Gulf just off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sheikhdom of Umm al-Quwain. The rare monastery dates back to pre-Islamic times, although it may have been constructed and occupied while the Prophet Muhammed walked the earth. The unusual find was announced by officials from the Umm al-Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology, and reported on by the Associated Press on November 3. The timing of the announcement coincided with a visit to the site by a representative from the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth. The discovery
