Top Gear - Middle East Special Full Episode [best] Jun 2026

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

10/10 (Essential viewing for any fan of Top Gear, The Grand Tour, or automotive chaos).

The Top Gear production team had already mastered the art of the road trip by 2010. However, the Middle East Special added a layer of genuine tension that previous specials lacked. While the Vietnam Special was poetic and the Polar Special was technologically impressive, the Middle East Special was raw, unpredictable, and often dangerous.

Why does it still resonate?

The tension was high when crossing into Syria, a particularly volatile border at the time. The comedic chemistry between the hosts shone through, often dealing with bureaucratic hurdles with sarcasm and charm. The Desert Perils

The trio chose three vastly different machines for the desert terrain:

The three cars, complete with Georgian number plates and retrofitted hookah pipes, are unceremoniously lowered from the plane onto an airstrip in Iraqi Kurdistan. The presenters are then given their challenge: a 1,200-mile journey from northern Iraq to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in time for Christmas. top gear - middle east special full episode

The setup is classic Top Gear . The producers drop the trio in the war-torn border region between Turkey and Iraq. Their goal? To recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men, but with significantly less wisdom and significantly more horsepower.

The Middle East Special is praised for its stunning cinematography, capturing landscapes rarely seen on Western entertainment television at the time.

In Jordan, the cars face extreme heat and rocky terrain. The producers introduce classic Top Gear challenges, including a stealth mission across a military training ground where the presenters camouflage their cars. Clarkson famously paints his Mazda to look like a digital camo block, while Hammond goes for a nomadic tent aesthetic. 4. The Arrival in Bethlehem Additionally, this episode served as a major plot

The final leg saw the trio cross the Jordan River, navigating strict border security checkpoints before finally arriving at their destination in Bethlehem. Iconic Moments and Highlights

Episode structure and key segments