Dubai’s well-known Toyota Building on Sheikh Zayed Road is set to be demolished in 2027, bringing an end to more than five decades of one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
The building, officially known as the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building, has recently entered the final stages of evacuation as preparations are made for its eventual demolition.
Why Is Dubai Demolishing the Toyota Building?
The main issue is the condition of the building and its maintenance.
According to the building management, Dubai Municipality did not approve further maintenance work because of the property’s current condition. This led to the decision to evacuate the building ahead of its planned demolition.
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The property has also faced concerns over overcrowding and unauthorised apartment partitioning. Some apartments were reportedly divided into smaller rooms, with certain units housing as many as 15 people. Authorities subsequently moved to address these occupancy and safety concerns.
The demolition, therefore, is not simply about replacing an old building. The current condition of the property, maintenance restrictions and occupancy-related safety concerns have all contributed to the decision.
What Is Happening to the Building Now?
The evacuation is already well underway.Residents with valid rental contracts have been allowed to remain until December 2026, but a large majority have already moved out. Recent reports put the evacuation at around 95 per cent, with only a small number of occupied apartments remaining.
Some residents have also left following electricity disruptions in parts of the building as authorities and management continue the evacuation process. The building is expected to be completely vacated before demolition begins.
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When Will the Toyota Building Be Demolished?
The building is scheduled for demolition in 2027.
An exact demolition date has not yet been publicly announced. Existing tenants with valid rental agreements have been given until the end of 2026, making the coming months the final chapter for residents who have lived in the landmark for years.
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Why Is It Called the Toyota Building?
The building was completed in 1974, long before Dubai’s modern skyline took shape.
It became known as the Toyota Building after a large illuminated Toyota advertising sign was installed on its roof in 1981. The sign became such a familiar landmark along Sheikh Zayed Road that people began using “Toyota Building” as a location reference.
The original sign was removed in 2018 after the advertising contract ended, but Toyota UAE brought the familiar logo back in 2022.
Now, after more than 50 years of watching Dubai transform around it, the Toyota Building is preparing to disappear from the Sheikh Zayed Road skyline.
For many residents, however, the building will remain a reminder of an older Dubai — long before the city became the global skyline it is today.
