Top Gear - Middle East Special !new! Full Episode -

The UK broadcast attracted approximately 5.86 million viewers on BBC Two .

Environmental and ethical observations

The episode culminated in a highly satirical and memorable final scene in Bethlehem. Arriving at a stable, the three presenters presented their eccentric gifts—ranging from gold and frankincense to a bottle of Nintendo Wii games.

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The final, most politically sensitive leg of the journey required crossing into Israel and navigating towards the West Bank. After undergoing rigorous border security checks, the trio made their final push through the Judean Desert to reach their destination. Key Highlights and Defining Moments

Hammond chose a left-hand-drive Fiat Barchetta. Painted in a striking ocean blue, it was arguably the prettiest car of the trio. However, it was also the most unreliable. The Fiat suffered from constant electrical gremlins, cooling issues, and a catastrophic fuel leak that nearly ended Hammond's journey prematurely. James May: BMW Z3

What made the Middle East Special truly groundbreaking was the geography. The trio covered roughly 1,200 miles through countries experiencing rapid historical shifts. The UK broadcast attracted approximately 5

The Top Gear Middle East Special: A Masterclass in Automotive Adventure

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

At the time, the episode drew mild criticism for its portrayal of Mexicans and stereotypes of Albanians, but compared to later controversies of the show, it was relatively benign. The real controversy is retrospective: the scenes of the team freely driving through Syria and Iraq, with locals waving and smiling, are now a stark and emotional reminder of the region before the devastating civil wars. Depending on your country, platforms like Amazon Prime

Today, the route they took is largely impossible due to the Syrian Civil War and the rise of ISIS. The special inadvertently serves as a time capsule of a fleeting moment of relative stability in the region. It adds a layer of melancholy to the viewing experience; the ruins they passed in Palmyra have since suffered damage, and the bustling markets they visited have faced years of strife.

The journey concluded in Bethlehem, where the "Baby Jesus" in the stable was revealed to be a Baby Stig .

Chose a Mazda MX-5, widely regarded as a reliable sports car but heavily modified with a questionable camouflage paint job.

The episode kicked off with high tension as the presenters stepped off a cargo plane in Iraq wearing full body armour and helmets. The sight of three middle-aged British men trying to fit into tiny convertibles while wearing tactical gear immediately set the comedic tone for the special. James May’s Concussion