Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the majestic focal point of National Geographic’s new show Lost Treasures of Arabia: The Nabataean Kingdom. Part of the acclaimed Lost Treasures series, the film transports viewers to the rugged beauty of AlUla, a region rich in archaeological significance and timeless stories. This compelling documentary premiered globally across National Geographic channels in Europe, the Middle East, the USA, and China from 24 August, and is available on Disney+ in select regions - making AlUla’s remarkable history accessible to audiences worldwide.

Inspired to walk among history? Join a Hegra Guided or Self‑Guided Audio Day Tour and be led by a Rawi guide or explore independently; audio description is available in English, Arabic, Italian, French and Mandarin.

An Enduring Legacy

The film follows leading archaeologists and historians as they piece together the enduring legacy of the Nabataeans - an ancient civilisation known for their mastery of trade, engineering, and monumental architecture. Through expert interviews and immersive visual reconstructions, Lost Treasures of Arabia reintroduces the world to this often-overlooked kingdom. From their advanced water management techniques to their strategic dominance of the Incense Road, the documentary sheds light on how the Nabataeans influenced cultures as far as Rome and Egypt, leaving a legacy that still resonates today. Narrated in English by Academy Award-nominated actress and writer Maggie Gyllenhaal, and in Arabic by renowned Saudi journalist and presenter Weam Al Dakheel, the film bridges global appeal with local authenticity. This dual-language production not only highlights the international importance of the story but also underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in curating and sharing its heritage on a global stage.

Want to explore the Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site in style? Climb into a Vintage Land Rover for an open-air ride through Hegra’s timeless tombs.

Hegra As A Heritage Hub

Hegra serves as the gateway to understanding the Nabataean Kingdom. The site boasts over 100 elaborately carved tombs with remarkably preserved facades, many of which feature inscriptions and decorative elements that offer insight into Nabataean society and beliefs. The heart of AlUla’s cultural offering, Hegra remains activated all year - whether through daily tours, immersive performances, or festival centrepieces. Visitors can walk among these silent monuments and feel the echoes of a once-flourishing civilisation that thrived through ingenuity, adaptability, and artistic expression. The Lost Treasures of Arabia places Hegra in its broader regional context, linking it to other major Nabataean sites like Petra while asserting its unique role in the kingdom’s southern expansion.

Immerse yourself in the sounds, stories, and scents of history with The Incense Road Experience - a multisensory journey through AlUla’s trading past.

This latest documentary follows the success of The Ancient City of Dadan, which premiered in 2023 and is still being broadcast globally. That earlier feature explored AlUla’s pre-Nabataean heritage - focusing on the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms - and sparked international curiosity about the region’s layered past. Together, these documentaries form a powerful continuum that charts the rise of ancient Arabia’s most influential civilisations, with AlUla as their historical crossroads. This growing body of visual storytelling is part of AlUla’s growing importance as a living museum, where visitors can engage with Saudi Arabia’s deep history through first-hand experiences. With daily tours, immersive soundscapes, and interactive guides, Hegra invites you to go beyond observation and step directly into the stories being told.