In addition to the driving challenges, the episode also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. The hosts visit ancient historical sites, interact with local people, and sample traditional cuisine. These moments provide a welcome respite from the intense driving sequences and add depth to the episode.
The journey spanned over 1,200 miles and pushed both the hosts and their budget convertibles to their absolute limits. Several key sequences have become legendary among fans:
If you want to dive deeper into this episode, let me know if you would like to explore:
The Middle East Special is packed with memorable television gold that fans quote to this day:
Crossing into Syria (then still open to Western tourists), the production team fails to find decent accommodation. They end up in a motel that appears to have been bombed in 1973 and never repaired. The beds are stained, the toilet is a hole in the floor, and the shower delivers either boiling steam or freezing sludge. The sight of James May trying to sleep while wrapped in a plastic Top Gear raincoat is peak British misery. top gear - middle east special full episode
Crucially, the episode is remembered for humanizing a region that Western audiences often only saw through the lens of conflict. By interacting with everyday citizens, mechanics, and border guards, Clarkson, Hammond, and May showcased a side of the Middle East defined by humor, generosity, and shared human experiences. Where to Watch the Full Episode
If you are hunting for the , you are likely craving these iconic scenes. Spoilers ahead—but after 15 years, we consider them sacred history.
A: Yes. The DVD release includes an additional 20 minutes of deleted scenes, including a longer argument at the Israeli border and an extra breakdown in the Syrian desert.
To maintain their security in high-risk areas, the team traveled with an advisor who had "learned in the Special Forces how to have a pixelated face " . In addition to the driving challenges, the episode
Hammond played it safe. The MX-5 (Miata) is the default answer for cheap roadsters. It was the only car that survived the journey without a single major mechanical fault. Naturally, Clarkson and May relentlessly mocked him for being "boring." Hammond’s main issue was that his car was "too good," which somehow made him the villain of the piece.
Episode structure and key segments
The Middle East Special is a thrilling and entertaining episode of Top Gear, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie, driving skills, and ability to adapt to challenging situations. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who enjoys adventure, off-road driving, and exploring new cultures.
The definitive home for classic Top Gear . UK residents with a valid TV license can stream the full, unedited episode in high definition. The journey spanned over 1,200 miles and pushed
Following a beam of light to a stable in Bethlehem, the trio presented their gifts—a gold-relief medallion, "Frankincense" shampoo, and a Nintendo DSi—to find that the "baby Jesus" was actually a Baby Stig .
Clarkson chose a true petrolhead icon, a second-generation Mazda MX-5. Finished in a questionable matte black paint job with digital camouflage accents, it was the only car of the trio that proved to be genuinely reliable. Despite missing a chunk of its exhaust early on, the lightweight Mazda handled the rough terrain surprisingly well. 2. Richard Hammond: Fiat Barchetta
The is not just a car review; it is a time capsule of early 2010s television. It represents the last era where three middle-aged men could drive through a geopolitical hot spot, make fun of every culture involved, and get away with it purely because they were charming.
The episode starts with the trio setting off in three rugged 4x4s - a Land Rover Defender, a Toyota Land Cruiser, and a Mercedes-Benz Unimog - from the Jordanian city of Aqaba, with the ambitious plan to drive to Bahrain, covering over 1,000 miles of varied terrain. The hosts are determined to test their vehicles and themselves in the harsh conditions of the desert.
The Syrian leg of the journey remains a bittersweet capsule of history. Filmed just months before the Syrian Civil War began, the episode captures a peaceful, stunningly beautiful country. The presenters were overwhelmed by the incredible hospitality of the Syrian people, who repeatedly helped them fix their cars and welcomed them with open arms. The Desert Crossing in Jordan
Originally aired on December 26, 2010, the Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2) follows presenters as they drive second-hand convertibles 1,200 miles from Iraq to Bethlehem. The 76-minute episode features the trio navigating hazardous routes through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, ending with a satirical nativity scene. For more details, visit Top Gear Wiki .