The Top Gear Middle East Special remains a masterclass in factual entertainment television. It perfectly blended the travelogue genre with automotive journalism, proving that the chemistry between Clarkson, Hammond, and May could carry an episode regardless of how much time was spent discussing engine specifications.
In keeping with the nativity theme, the episode concludes with the presenters arriving at a stable in Bethlehem. Instead of finding a traditional manger, they discover a "baby Stig" wrapped in swaddling clothes, perfectly blending the biblical parody with the show's core mythology. Critical Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Syrian segment remains a poignant piece of television history. Filmed just months before the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War, the episode captured a peaceful, beautiful, and incredibly welcoming country. The trio drove through Damascus, explored ancient Roman ruins, and interacted with incredibly hospitable locals. 4. The Desert Crossing: Jordan
The journey was a grueling 1,200-mile odyssey through some of the most beautiful and desolate landscapes on Earth. They crossed the mountains of Kurdistan, where Jeremy’s Fiat immediately began to disintegrate, and navigated the sprawling deserts of Syria.
Verdict
The mission was simple yet daunting: land at an airport in northern Iraq and drive to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem, Israel. To make things harder, the producers banned the presenters from using modern SUVs or reliable off-road vehicles. Instead, they had to buy a used, two-door convertible sports car for under £3,500.
The three cars used in the special were later added to the World of Top Gear exhibition at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu .
The crew originally planned to drive through Iran , but because the BBC is a state-funded broadcaster, the team was denied entry, forcing a detour through Turkey .
Reaching Bethlehem, they presented "gifts": gold-relief for James, hotel shampoo for Richard (as frankincense), and a Nintendo DS for Jeremy (replacing myrrh). The "Baby Jesus" in the manger was revealed to be a A Bittersweet Time Capsule
This is a common source of confusion. Officially, it is the . On some platforms, it's listed as Series 16, Episode 0 , while others list it as Series 16, Episode 1 or Episode 7 . It is widely considered the "lost" episode between Series 15 and 16. When in doubt, search for "Top Gear Middle East Special" directly.
: Along the way, they modified their cars to handle the terrain; notably, Jeremy's Mazda was given a "technicolor" paint job and desert-proofing.
Instead of camels, the presenters opted for cheap, second-hand, two-door sports cars, embarking on a grueling 1,200-mile (1,900 km) trek starting from Iraqi Kurdistan and ending in Bethlehem.
More than a decade later, fans still search for the "Top Gear Middle East Special Full Episode" to relive a masterpiece of automotive television. The Mission: A Three Wise Men Journey
After James May suffered a concussion from a tow rope accident in Syria, Clarkson and Hammond famously picked him up from the hospital wearing burqas to "blend in"—a scene that remains a fan favorite for its sheer ridiculousness. The "Genesis" Prank:
