The Church & Monastery of Bani Yas

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a place where modern marvels and rich history coexist. With its gleaming skyscrapers, luxury malls, cultural treasures, and sun-drenched beaches, it’s easy to be dazzled by the present. But beneath this glamorous surface lies a story of transformation that has shaped the emirate into what it is today. Imagine this: over 100,000 years ago, early settlers made their home here, leaving behind traces of their ancient existence. Fast forward to 1761, when the Bani Yas tribe stumbled upon fresh water on what was then a remote island—Abu Dhabi. This discovery wasn’t just a stroke of luck; it was the beginning of a thriving civilization, built on the foundations of pearl diving and fishing. The Al Nahyan family, descendants of the Bani Yas tribe, charted an incredible journey from the Liwa Oasis to the historic Qasr Al Hosn in 1793, establishing their rule and laying the groundwork for the future. As the centuries passed, the landscape of Abu Dhabi changed dramatically, especially with the advent of the oil and gas industry. In 1958, the discovery of oil beneath the Gulf’s pearling beds marked a turning point, leading to the first-ever crude oil export in 1962 and sparking the transformation of the emirate. The year 1971 was another defining moment. Under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi played a pivotal role in the formation of the United Arab Emirates, setting the stage for the modern, dynamic city we know today. For those curious to explore Abu Dhabi’s rich past, these historical sites and experiences are your gateway to the stories that shaped this remarkable city.