As heritage increasingly engages with sustainable development principles and approaches, what does this mean for countries like Sudan, that are facing massive socio-economic challenges, whilst undergoing intense development and socio-political transitions? This article is about these effects, but also the connections and changing relationships between archaeology, heritage and development narratives in Sudan. In addition, a brief historical detour to the Nubian campaign and the beginning of excavations at Old Dongola between the 3rd and 4th Cataracts will draw out the importance of shifting modernist development and heritage narratives in shaping the lives of riverine Nubian communities. While these years were a success story reinforcing Nubiology as a scientific discipline and the conservation of pre-Islamic heritage, they also highlight a track record of development-induced displacement and fragmented heritage as well as the limitations and constraints in securing an integrated heritage. In response to calls for more inclusive heritage in the Nile valley, the final section will review recent experiences in Old Dongola to revisit the World Heritage vision for the area and attempts to secure wider stakeholder commitments to a sustainable landscape-based approach to heritage in the area. By juxtaposing both challenges and opportunities with the heritage and development interface, the article aims to help craft more inclusive heritage approaches able to address both ancient and living heritage and the rights of contemporary communities.