Dubai | August 24, 2026
Dubai’s iconic Toyota Building, one of the most recognisable landmarks along Sheikh Zayed Road, is set to be demolished in 2027, bringing an end to more than five decades of history. The 15-storey Nasser Rashid Lootah Building was completed in 1974 and became widely known after a large red-and-white Toyota sign was installed on its roof in 1981.
The landmark has witnessed Dubai’s dramatic transformation from a developing city into a global business and tourism hub. Although the original neon Toyota sign was removed in 2018, it briefly returned in 2022 and remains strongly associated with the building’s identity.
The property is now being cleared ahead of demolition. Dubai Municipality is disconnecting electricity and water services in phases, while inspections are being carried out to monitor remaining occupancy. Concerns over overcrowding and illegally partitioned apartments have also contributed to the evacuation process.
For many residents and former tenants, the building represents an important chapter in their Dubai lives. Several have described it as their first home in the emirate and a place connected to childhood, friendships, work and personal memories.
The demolition will mark the disappearance of another piece of old Dubai as the city’s skyline continues to evolve.
