National Geographic sheds light on the Nabataean Kingdom, a civilization that thrived in the heart of the desert and cleverly adapted to its environment, surpassing the influence of the greatest empires and astonishing the world with its achievements. The documentary embarks on an epic archaeological journey through the greatest Nabataean cities: Petra in Jordan and its twin city Al-Hijr in Saudi Arabia, where regional archaeologists reveal new evidence contributing to understanding how this mysterious civilization flourished. From the magnificent rock-carved monuments to the remains of trade routes and advanced water systems, and the pivotal role women played in shaping society, the story is told through immersive visuals supported by the latest scientific research. The documentary highlights the Nabataeans’ exceptional ability to transform a barren desert into a thriving commercial hub, thanks to their advanced urban planning and smart water management systems.

Their expertise in land trade allowed them to control vital routes and amass great wealth, attracting the attention of great powers such as the Egyptians during Cleopatra’s era and the Romans. The narrative relies on local expertise and a deep understanding of the environment and history, providing an authentic perspective on one of the most enigmatic Arab civilizations. Regional experts appear, including Saudi archaeologist Dr. Dhaifallah Al-Talhi, former Dean of the College of Arts at Hail University and former co-director of the Madain Saleh excavation project. The mystery of Al-Hijr city lies at the heart of the documentary; once a thriving center, its sudden decline still puzzles researchers.

Among the most notable archaeological discoveries showcased is the first-ever reconstruction of an ancient Nabataean woman’s face based on skeletal remains found in Al-Hijr, a groundbreaking scientific achievement that allows us to see the features of a person who lived over two thousand years ago. The documentary is narrated in English by Oscar-nominated star Maggie Gyllenhaal, known for “The Lost Daughter” and “Crazy Heart,” and in Arabic by Saudi broadcaster Wiam Al-Dakhil. Directed by Derek Verheye and Inti Calfat, and produced by Ivan Bousso and Rajul Chauhan in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla. “The Nabataean Kingdom” documentary is the second part of National Geographic’s “Lost Treasures of the Arabs” series, following the first part “The Ancient City of Dadan,” currently available on Disney+.

The new documentary is scheduled to air on National Geographic channel on August 27 and on National Geographic Abu Dhabi on August 28, with availability on Disney+ starting August 29. Both National Geographic and National Geographic Abu Dhabi channels are accessible via Etisalat, Du, and STC networks, and National Geographic is also included in beIN packages.