diff --git a/srcpkgs/ghex/template b/srcpkgs/ghex/template
index ac3080f2baf..6d9b98d886a 100644
--- a/srcpkgs/ghex/template
+++ b/srcpkgs/ghex/template
@@ -21,6 +21,13 @@ checksum=add40f8ab24921db30d27be58f00273201977d87fdc8d79eceadfa8b0e354def
 build_options="gir gtk_doc"
 build_options_default="gir gtk_doc"
 
+pre_build() {
+	# help gi-docgen find gi files on cross
+	if [ -n "$CROSS_BUILD" ]; then
+		export XDG_DATA_DIRS=/usr/$XBPS_CROSS_TRIPLET/usr/share/
+	fi
+}
+
 libgtkhex_package() {
 	short_desc+=" - runtime library"
 	pkg_install() {