Mysterious cross unearthed on island rewrites what we know about Christianity
The cross, measuring 27cm long, features regional motifs including a stepped pyramid representing Golgotha and leaves, and is larger than a previously found cross.
It was likely used by monks for spiritual contemplation and shows similarities with finds from the Church of the East, which stretched across the Middle East to China.
The discovery is considered an "extremely exciting find" and a rare marker of the Christian presence that flourished in the Arabian Peninsula before the monastery's abandonment in the eighth century.
The find highlights the UAE's historical values of coexistence and cultural openness, with the site now part of a nature reserve and undergoing restoration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
Mysterious cross unearthed on island rewrites what we know about Christianity
Archaeologists have unearthed a 1,400-year-old Christian cross on a plaque at an ancient monastery on the Emirati island of Sir Bani Yas. The cross, measuring 27cm long, features regional motifs including a stepped pyramid representing Golgotha and leaves, and is larger than a previously found cross. It was likely used by monks for spiritual contemplation and shows similarities with finds from the Church of the East, which stretched across the Middle East to China. The discovery is considered an "extremely exciting find" and a rare marker of the Christian presence that flourished in the Arabian Peninsula before the monastery's abandonment in the eighth century. The find highlights the UAE's historical values of coexistence and cultural openness, with the site now part of a nature reserve and undergoing restoration.
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai hotel review
After 25 years in the game, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is still the pinnacle of luxury hotels across the Middle East – and this hotel reflects that with unmatched service, world-class dining and an unapologetic attitude to delivering the very, very best Location Located on its own private island, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is separated from the bright lights of Dubai by a carefully guarded causeway, giving it an air of exclusivity from the off. Neighbouring Souk Madinat Jumeirah shopping hub, Wild Wadi Waterpark and sister properties are all just a short stroll away, however. Dubai International Airport is a 25-minute drive away, and the city's major attractions are easily accessible via local bus or Metro, making it ideal for those seeking the best of both worlds: seclusion and accessibility. The vibe Celebrating its 25th year, this towering marvel is more than just a hotel – it's ridiculous in the best way possible. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab's architecture is a testament to Dubai's bold ambition. Designed by Tom Wright, the hotel's sail-shaped silhouette started as a sketch on a napkin, and has now become the most famous hotel silhouette on the planet. Inside, the mesmerising rainbow-hued atrium stretches skyward, housing cascading aquariums and a mesmerising waterfall. Gold leaf, Swarovski crystals and intricate marble patterns line the spaces, creating an atmosphere of opulence at every turn. Visiting feels like entering a palace – and you're the royal resident. The hotel's luxury is not just visual but experiential, and the warmth of authentic Arabian hospitality is felt throughout. From the iconic sky-high helipad that has hosted everything from a skydiving stunt to tennis matches between Federer and Agassi; to the smallest details, such as gold-plated iPads in the rooms, the level of care and craftsmanship woven into every element of Burj Al Arab is reinforced around every corner. The number of guests indulging in the host of premium experiences, taking photographs or simply trying to take it all in reminds you that everyone is experiencing something unforgettable. Service Every guest here gets an experience that most hotels would only assign to their top billers, including their own suite, a personalised butler service and a fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms at their disposal. Quality and quantity are both easily ticked off when it comes to staff, with named introductions, hospitality checks and great personality all in abundance. Almost all experiences are included, with touches like free golf buggy transport, leather slip-on loafers and free canapés meaning you won't go an hour without some sort of offering to brighten your day. Even if a service isn't officially on offer, staff seem to find a way. Putting this to the test, we enquired about a 'bath experience'. Upon returning to our room, the bathroom had been transformed into a spa, complete with bubbles, candles, bath salts and an array of extra touches. Bed and bath Jumeirah Burj Al Arab offers 202 duplex suites, making it the tallest all-suited hotel in the world. Each is designed with grandeur in mind. These suites are as varied as they are luxurious, from the Deluxe Marina Suite to the Presidential Suite. Starting from 170 square metres and going right up to 780 square metres, suites are extraordinarily vast, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Every guest gets state-of-the-art technology, a rain shower and Jacuzzi, clothes care and their very own 17-strong pillow menu. Private staircases lead to bedrooms adorned in rich tones of gold, purple and blue. No detail is overlooked, from the bespoke Hermès bathroom amenities (for guests to take home), to the interactive in-room technology, including televisions that rise at the push of a button. Bathrooms are equally impressive and feature mosaic-tiled whirlpool tubs, walk-in showers and twin basins with gold-plated taps. For the ultimate indulgence, the Presidential Suite includes a private library, expansive dressing room, two king bedrooms and 667 square metres to luxuriate in. Food and drink When it comes to dining, guests are spoiled for choice, with a total of 10 restaurants and bars to choose from. For a taste of Italy with a subterranean twist, Ristorante L'Olivo at Al Mahara offers fine Italian cuisine surrounded by an impressive aquarium filled with marine life. Elsewhere, the Michelin-starred Al Muntaha on the 27th-floor offers breathtaking views and a French-Italian menu curated by master chef Saverio Sbaragli. For a more local feel, Al Iwan (Royal Dining Hall in Arabic) serves the finest mezze, all in the surroundings of rich fabrics, mirrors and – yes – more gold. Afternoon tea at Sahn Eddar is a Dubai tradition, served amidst the splendour of the hotel's atrium, while the Terrace offers an idyllic spot for lunch, with Mediterranean dishes complemented by panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. For a more casual experience, the sky-high Skyview Bar and gold-coated Gilt Bar serve up delicious cocktails, with an equally stunning backdrop, that were some of the best I sampled across the city. It's no surprise that the hotel bagged a world record in 2008 by creating the world's most expensive cocktail, priced at AED27,321 (£5,880). For a property offering such luxury, it was disheartening to see the use of plastic straws throughout, especially in such close proximity to marine life. Facilities Jumeirah Burj Al Arab doesn't just cater to luxury style, but backs it up with real substance and unique experiences. The Talise Spa spans two stories and includes treatments focusing on body, mind and wellbeing, plus exclusive treatments like 'Leg School therapy' – a special therapeutic programme incorporating mud application and hydrotherapy to boost circulation, treat cellulite and vascular problems. If you prefer outdoor relaxation, the serene Terrace provides a one-of-a-kind man-made private beach, built in Finland and shipped over to Dubai. Here you'll find an infinity pool, 24 exclusive cabanas and an imported white sand beach. All guests are granted access to another private beach, a beach club and separate beach hotel with available watersports including kayaking, fishing, diving and waterskiing, plus the Wild Wadi Waterpark. The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP) is also located at the hotel, with thousands of critically endangered turtles rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild as part of Jumeirah's ongoing ocean conservation efforts. Accessibility Jumeirah Burj Al Arab provides a fully adapted ground floor duplex, complete with accessibility aids and alarm systems by the bed. Pet policy Pets are not allowed. Check in/check out Check in from 3pm, check out by 12 noon. Family-friendly Yes. Young guests can enjoy complimentary access to the various water activities mentioned, as well as kids' clubs at the nearby Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, not to mention the 'Rolly' – a special sweet trolley magically appearing in rooms in the evening. For younger children, complimentary experiences like camel rides and honey-collecting sessions add a unique touch to their stay. The turtles also have a universal appeal to kids of all ages. At a glance: Best thing: The sheer luxury and iconic views from one of the world's most photographed hotels. Perfect for: Travellers wanting to treat themselves to a genuinely unforgettable experience in luxury and exclusivity. Not right for: Budget-conscious travellers or those seeking a laid-back, unassuming experience. Instagram from: The Terrace offers panoramic views of the hotel and the Gulf, but you could easily spend your entire trip filling your grid with pictures from pretty much anywhere on the hotel grounds.
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
What is the best way to get from Birmingham to Dubai?
Q Do I fly Emirates from Birmingham to Dubai direct for £600 return? Or should I choose Royal Jordanian from Stansted to Dubai, with one stop in Amman, for £341 return? Is it safe to travel that way, and would I still need a visa just passing through? Richard Tolton A Plenty to unpick here. First, the only time I flew between Dubai and Birmingham on Emirates, earlier this year, I was unimpressed. It is fair to say the airline does not put its freshest aircraft on the route – there's a marked difference compared with those used between London Heathrow and Dubai. The plane was around 90 minutes late. So, were I choosing a flight to the UAE, Emirates might not be at the top of my list. I am intrigued, though, that your alternative is Royal Jordanian from Stansted, which is a long way from Birmingham. But it is certainly a good choice. The link from the Essex airport to the Jordanian capital, Amman, is a reasonably recent addition. To help fill seats until it becomes fully established, Royal Jordanian is offering some attractive fares from Stansted to Dubai. The afternoon flight from the UK has a one-hour connection in Amman before the onward departure to the UAE. You need have no worries about this: Amman airport is modern and reasonably compact, and a swift 'airside' transfer should be easy. You will not clear passport control, and no visa is necessary. Royal Jordanian is a good airline. The downside from my point of view would be the 4am touchdown in Dubai. To keep the cost below £400 or so, I suggest Turkish Airlines from Gatwick via Istanbul. Ideally, you could build in a 24-hour stopover in Turkey's largest city, which would cut the air passenger duty (and therefore the fare) by £77. That is probably enough to pay for a hotel stay. Turkish is an excellent carrier. It also flies from Birmingham to Istanbul, with connections to Dubai, but fares are running at about £500 return – at which price point I would be looking at Emirates once again. Q We are heading to Korea in September, spending a lot of the trip in Seoul. What recommendations do you have for the city and for day excursions? Paul C A I salute your choice of destination and timing. South Korea does not yet get the number of tourists it deserves. The nation has many rewarding dimensions: a deep history, considerable natural beauty with impressive mountains, and a welcoming population. But perhaps like you, I am most attracted to the capital. Seoul combines startling modern architecture with tranquil temples and plenty of open space, plus energetic nightlife. Conveniently, the city offers good-value accommodation, even in the centre, and thousands of excellent places to eat and drink. While it has a hyper-efficient and affordable Metro system, walking is an excellent way to see Seoul. I particularly like the hike up to the Seoul Tower, and the linear park created from a former elevated highway running northeast from Seoul railway station. Day trips are easy. The signature excursion is to Panmunjom, the border village where North and South Korea scowl at one another across the DMZ (demilitarised zone). Many tours to the geopolitical scar are on offer, typically providing the chance to visit the hut in the middle of the DMZ where talks are occasionally held, and later, to peer across a valley into North Korea. The cost including transport from Seoul is around 100,000 won (£54). You must register your passport details several days in advance. For something different, spend a day on a triangular excursion. From Seoul station, take the half-hour train journey south to the small city of Suwon. As well as plenty of street art, there is an impressive fortress offering walks along the walls. Walk back to the station along the canal footpath. Suwon is on the southern extreme of the Seoul Metro, and you can skirt around the capital to the city of Incheon – a journey of around 80 minutes. (Incheon is also the name of the airport, but that is in a separate location.) The older parts of the city are scenic and include a substantial Chinatown. Returning to the centre of the city is easy by Metro. Q My wife and I are flying to Malaga on 27 September and not returning to the UK until 5 November. Given the new Schengen area rules taking effect on 12 October, what do you advise? Davey D A No subject in recent memory has caused such confusion and consternation as the introduction of the European Union's much-delayed entry-exit system (EES). As you say, the rollout across the Schengen area (the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, but minus Ireland) will begin on Sunday 12 October. From that date, some British travellers crossing Schengen frontiers will go through a biometric check. On their first encounter with the EES, they will have to provide fingerprints (unless they are under 12) and a facial biometric. For subsequent crossings, only a photo of the face will be required. Yet on day one, most UK travellers crossing a Schengen area frontier – whether entering or leaving – will swerve the formalities. Initially, as few as one in 10 border posts will be running the entry-exit system. Even at those where the EES is in operation, only a modest proportion of travellers may be selected to have their biometric details registered. The last thing the European Union wants to see is long queues building up. It is feasible that some frontier posts will be running the EES from day one for both arriving and departing travellers. In such a case, travellers could be required to have their fingerprints and facial biometrics taken before travelling home. But I think it highly unlikely. By 5 November – several weeks later – it might be that you are called upon to register on the way out. That could prove useful for your next trip to the Schengen area. Again, though, the focus will be on arrivals, not departures. The key point to understand is that you will not need to prepare anything ahead of time; just do what you are told at the airport. It will be another year before you have to enrol for an Etias 'euro visa' ahead of a trip. Q We are currently stuck in Calgary due to the Air Canada strike. The offer from the airline is to fly three days later than we were booked. Can we buy a different ticket ourselves and reclaim the difference from the airline? Pete Dearing A What a Canadian kerfuffle. At the peak of the summer season, Air Canada has announced 'a complete cessation of flying' due to a planned strike by cabin crew. Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees working for the airline voted overwhelmingly to walk out in a long and bitter dispute over what they describe as 'poverty pay'. When Air Canada received the strike notification, airline bosses decided to ground all flights from Saturday 16 August onwards. The move at least provides certainty that your Calgary-London flight will not be departing, rather than keeping you on tenterhooks. In line with Air Canada's promise, you have been 'notified of alternative travel options'. The airline has presumably rebooked you on one of its Star Alliance partners, such as Lufthansa or United. I can see options for this Sunday on Delta (not a Star partner) via Seattle or Minneapolis at around the £700 mark. Were you flying from the UK, you could buy such a ticket in the knowledge that Air Canada would need to reimburse the extra cost – it is required to get you to your destination as soon as possible on any airline with spare seats. But the same does not apply in the opposite direction. Because your flight is on a non-UK, non-EU airline and you are flying from outside Europe, standard air passengers' rights rules do not apply. Air Canada can choose when to assign you an alternative flight. Furthermore, the airline has no obligation to provide accommodation and meals while you wait, because a strike is regarded as being beyond its control. You have the unenviable choice of stumping up for extra hotel nights while you wait for the appointed flight, or buying an earlier ticket knowing that the airline will not pay for it. Travel insurance may help with extra hotel costs, so you might choose to stay put. Finally, if you are flying home via the US, note that you must obtain an Esta permit in advance, even though you merely want to change planes.
