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 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.
As of 2025, the special is available on Netflix. The streaming rights for Top Gear vary by country, but it has generally been absent from the service for a few years. Your best bet for legal streaming is Amazon Prime Video or a digital purchase.
The climax of the episode features the trio arriving at a stable, only to find Joseph, Mary, and a manger holding a baby Stig in a diaper and mini-helmet. top gear - middle east special full episode
The Top Gear: The Complete Specials DVD box set contains the full, uncensored Middle East Special. This is the gold standard. The DVD includes extended scenes, such as a ten-minute segment where James May rebuilds the Z3’s cooling system with a tea kettle.
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May travel from Erbil, Iraq to Bethlehem via Jordan and Israel. They drive used, cheap convertibles:
Available on the BBC iPlayer (UK), Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video . A major incident occurred in the Syrian desert
Opted for a 1991 Mazda MX-5 , trusting its Japanese reliability, though he was relentlessly mocked for driving a "hairdresser's car."
Overview
Available for digital purchase and download. Cultural Impact and Legacy The episode culminated in
The Top Gear: Middle East Special remains a masterclass in adventure television, blending automotive enthusiasm, political nonchalance, and a heartfelt Christmas message. It's a journey you won't forget.
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Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men by driving from Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan to Bethlehem .
The UK broadcast attracted approximately 5.86 million viewers on BBC Two .