A major incident occurred in the Syrian desert when James May suffered a concussion. While attempting to help pull Hammond's bogged-down Fiat out of the sand, a tow rope snapped, striking May in the face and knocking him unconscious. He was rushed to a local hospital, and though he returned to filming the next day, the moment highlighted the genuine dangers of the expedition. Cultural Impact and Legacy
The episode is regularly available on BBC iPlayer and the Dave streaming app (Uptv).
: They navigated a declared "war zone" in southern Turkey, rushing to reach the safe city of Şanlıurfa before nightfall. : Stops included the ancient cities of : They visited the ruins of Israel & Palestine
The episode is perhaps most famous for the "Camel Incident." As the trio traversed Syria, they decided to race their cars against camels to prove which was faster (or cheaper) for local transport. top gear - middle east special full episode
: Retrace the 1,200-mile (1,900 km) route of the Three Wise Men using second-hand, two-door convertible sports cars with a budget of £3,500. Starting Point : Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Destination : A stable in Bethlehem, Palestine. Release Date
The special also marked a turning point in the show's format, cementing the "road trip special" as the definitive version of Top Gear event television, influencing later specials in India, Africa, and South America. How to Watch the Full Episode
The Middle East Special was groundbreaking because it took viewers through territories rarely seen on Western entertainment television. The route spanned roughly 1,200 miles and required navigating complex geopolitical landscapes: A major incident occurred in the Syrian desert
The episode begins in Iraq, a starting location kept secret from the presenters until they landed. The producers handed the trio a budget of £3,500 each to buy an open-top sports car. Their mission? Drive from Iraq, through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, to reach Bethlehem. The Cars Chosen by the Trio:
The special has a running time of . This is an extended length compared to regular Top Gear episodes, which are typically around 60 minutes.
📺 Where to Watch the Top Gear Middle East Special Full Episode Cultural Impact and Legacy The episode is regularly
Chosen for its reliability, though it quickly proved impractical, lacking air conditioning and top-down protection against the harsh sun.
After clearing intense border security checkpoints, the trio entered Israel, drove past the Sea of Galilee, and made their way into the West Bank. The journey concluded at a stable in Bethlehem, where they presented their gifts to a "baby" that turned out to be a miniature version of The Stig. Why the Middle East Special Remains an All-Time Great A Snapshot of History
The special is remembered for its blend of humor, mechanical failure, and cultural exploration:
You can buy the standalone special or the complete Series 16 box set Digitally. Purchasing ensures you get the highest quality stream without regional expiration dates.
