Power outage spurs exodus from iconic Toyota Building ahead of 2027 demolition

Dubai’s landmark Toyota Building on Sheikh Zayed Road has seen about 70% of its tenants leave, the property’s management said, attributing the departures to cuts in the electricity supply rather than formal eviction. Management told Gulf News tenants were vacating “in their own willingness because the power supply was cut,” and that those holding valid rental contracts had been informed they could stay until December 2026. Gulf News earlier reported the building is scheduled for demolition in 2027. The management said it did not know why power had been disconnected and pointed to Dubai Municipality; Gulf News sought comment from Dubai Municipality but had not received a response by filing. The electricity disruption surfaced after residents began moving out, and the real estate division said some who left had their supply cut by authorities. An agent linked the problem to partitioned apartments, though that remained unconfirmed. Management added that regulations bar it from entering rented flats once handed over, explaining why partition issues were not addressed earlier, and it did not specify how many units lost power. Nasser Rashid Lootah Real Estate, which manages the property, has confirmed the 2027 demolition. Social media clips show residents packing and recalling memories of the 15-storey block, completed in 1974 and long known for its neon Toyota sign. Himanshu SK, an Indian expatriate and travel agent who lived there for three years, said affordable central rents will be hard to replace. On-site businesses are preparing to close; a restaurant expects eventual closure and a minimart said it would shut within days. The building, home to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, will end more than five decades as a Sheikh Zayed Road landmark when demolished in 2027.