We received the bittersweet news about the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building on Sheikh Zayed Road, popularly known as the ‘Toyota Building’, with mixed feelings – while we are sad that its story has come to a close, we are also excited for what is to come at this prime location in the heart of the city.
Dubai has accomplished so many impressive feats since the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building was built, many within sight of its own residents – the region’s first world trade centre, the world’s tallest building, the world’s largest and most-visited shopping mall, the UAE’s first financial centre, and so, so much more.
In a dynamic, ever-evolving city such as this, we always knew that the story of the iconic ‘Toyota Building’ could not go on forever.
We are proud that the Toyota logo has been such a visible feature of Dubai’s iconic skyline for almost half a century, and we’re grateful to the Nasser Rashid Lootah Group for allowing us the opportunity to do so.
However, this is not the end for the famous Toyota sign; we have plans to carry the legacy forward, which will be revealed in the coming months.
And, we have one last surprise in store before we say a final farewell to the ‘Toyota Building’.
You’ll know it when you see it! Keep your eyes up this September…
About Al-Futtaim Toyota:
Toyota, a Japanese automotive manufacturer founded in 1937, is the world’s market leader in sales of hybrid electric vehicles. Toyota has been exclusively distributed in the UAE by Al-Futtaim Automotive, part of Al-Futtaim Group, for over six decades, and has been leading the sustainable mobility movement since 2008.
With a large line-up of vehicles ranging from SUV, compact, sedan, coupe, MPV and LCV, as well as a wide range of Hybrid options, Al-Futtaim Toyota is setting new benchmarks for clean motoring in an effort to actively contribute to a lower carbon footprint in the UAE. 2017 saw the introduction of the zero-emission hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Toyota Mirai, in a pilot aiming at studying the possibilities of establishing a hydrogen-based, carbon-free society.
Toyota’s line-up features several hybrid vehicles including the sporty, practical and environmentally friendly RAV4, the C-HR, an innovative compact SUV, the seven-seater Highlander which is the brands biggest HEV to date, the powerful and efficient Corolla and the sleek and sophisticated Camry.
In September 2019, after a 17-year wait, Al-Futtaim Toyota launched the new 2020 Toyota GR Supra in the UAE, much to the delight of fans and loyalists across the country. With the all-new fifth-generation model, the legendary name returned to set the roads ablaze with a comeback only fitting of the Toyota Supra story, with the 2021 version launching a year later in October 2020.
In August 2020 Al-Futtaim Toyota shook up the lifestyle pickup segment with the introduction of the all-new eighth-generation Toyota Hilux Adventure. This was the first time ever that the Hilux is available as a retail model in the UAE, meaning that it is no longer limited to dominating the commercial-use sector.
About Al-Futtaim Automotive:
Al-Futtaim Automotive is one of the five operating divisions of the UAE headquartered Al-Futtaim and one of the most diversified mobility businesses.
Operating across eight countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa and supported by more than 9,000 colleagues, the business represents more than 25 international brands and provides an integrated mobility ecosystem across vehicle retail, aftersales, fleet services, leasing, rental and financing solutions. Its offering covers passenger vehicles, commercial transport, industrial and construction equipment, motorcycles and specialised mobility solutions for private customers, businesses and public sector organisations.
Al-Futtaim Automotive is increasingly focused on connected technologies, supporting mobility infrastructure and electrification to enable cleaner, safer and more accessible transport.
With deep local market understanding and global partnerships, Al-Futtaim Automotive is helping shape the future of mobility while delivering practical mobility solutions today.
About Al-Futtaim:
Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Operating across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, the CIS and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim’s work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate communities through practical, forward-looking solutions.
Employing a workforce of more than 40,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world’s most recognised and trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more.
With a strong focus on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and empowering its people, Al-Futtaim’s approach is anchored in long-term value creation. Its integrated business model positions the Group as a reliable partner to stakeholders, supporting customers, communities, and collaborators alike in navigating the needs of today while planning for tomorrow.
Underpinned by the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim continues to build a legacy that reflects its responsibility to people, progress, and the planet.
