The team crossed into Jordan, where they faced the brutal terrain of the desert. A memorable overnight stop in the ancient city of Petra provided some of the most visually stunning cinematography of the entire series.
Avoid unofficial YouTube uploads. They are usually cropped, slowed down to avoid copyright strikes, or missing the last 15 minutes. Support the show legally to ensure more specials get made (currently, the new Top Gear presenters have attempted their own Middle East trip, but nothing matches the 2010 original).
before its destruction by ISIS, and portrays a pre-civil war Syria as a welcoming, vibrant place. This backdrop of peaceful landscapes that were soon ravaged by conflict adds a layer of poignancy that few other specials possess. Critical Verdict
The Top Gear Middle East Special is widely regarded as one of the greatest episodes in the history of the franchise. Airing as a Boxing Day special in 2010 to kick off Series 16, this feature-length episode transcended the boundaries of a standard motoring show. It transformed Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May from automotive journalists into three wise men embarking on an epic, cross-continental journey.
Critical reflections
Additionally, this episode served as a major plot point for the identity of . After the "White Stig" (Ben Collins) was outed in his autobiography, this special introduced the "Baby Stig" found in the manger, signaling the arrival of a new driver for the following season. 📺 Where to Watch the Full Episode
Why does it still resonate?
As they venture into the desert, the hosts face numerous challenges, including treacherous sand dunes, rocky mountain tracks, and scorching temperatures. The Land Rover Defender, driven by Jeremy Clarkson, proves to be a capable companion, but its limitations are soon exposed on the demanding terrain. Richard Hammond, behind the wheel of the Toyota Land Cruiser, demonstrates his driving prowess, navigating the dunes with ease. Meanwhile, James May, in the Mercedes-Benz Unimog, showcases the vehicle's incredible off-road capabilities.
The journey concluded in Bethlehem, where the "Baby Jesus" in the stable was revealed to be a Baby Stig . top gear - middle east special full episode
"I’ve brought a Mazda MX-5," Hammond announced, beaming. "It’s the world's best-selling sports car. It’s reliable, it’s nimble—"
Whenever a presenter's car broke down, they were threatened with driving the ultimate punishment vehicle: a brightly colored, incredibly camp Mazda6TS. The fear of this car forced them to repair their own vehicles against all odds.
The episode begins with the presenters being dropped off at an airport in Iraq. Their mission? Travel 1,200 miles through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan to reach the birthplace of Jesus in Israel. True to the show's format, they were restricted by a modest budget and a requirement that their vehicles be open-top two-seater sports cars. The Iconic Cars
For millions of car enthusiasts and comedy lovers around the world, the name Top Gear evokes images of roaring engines, ludicrous challenges, and three middle-aged men bickering their way across impossible terrain. While the trio’s adventures in Botswana (the "Oliver" episode) and Vietnam (on scooters) are legendary, one special stands out for its perfect blend of danger, beauty, and automotive misery: . The team crossed into Jordan, where they faced
After escaping the high-stress environment of Iraq, the boys crossed the mountains into Turkey. Here, they faced treacherous, unpaved mountain passes that pushed their low-slung sports cars to the absolute absolute limit. 2. The Beauty of Syria
Crossing into Jordan, the landscape opens up into the sweeping deserts of Wadi Rum. This is where the cinematography team earns their paycheck. The shots of the three beat-up convertibles tearing across the red sands, chasing the sun, are breathtaking.
In one of the most tense and famous moments of the episode, the trio had to navigate their sports cars across the Israeli border through a heavily fenced, active minefield.
