diff --git a/srcpkgs/mariadb/template b/srcpkgs/mariadb/template
index b55a0cd36a3..5d65d2cd204 100644
--- a/srcpkgs/mariadb/template
+++ b/srcpkgs/mariadb/template
@@ -36,6 +36,10 @@ system_accounts="mysql"
 mysql_homedir="/var/lib/mysql"
 CFLAGS="-w -fcommon"
 
+if [ "$CROSS_BUILD" ]; then
+	configure_args+=" -DWITH_UNIT_TESTS=OFF"
+fi
+
 pre_configure() {
 	# We need some host binaries before starting cross compilation.
 	if [ "$CROSS_BUILD" ]; then