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| Image of the "Toyota building" dating back to 1981 |
The Toyota building in Dubai got its sign back.
Well, here's the story - the official name of the building is Nasser Rachid Lootah building, one of the first high rises to be built in 1974 (three years after the inception of the Emirates). On top of the 15 story building - which offers cheap rents to expats till this day - was a sign by Japanese carmaker Toyota. Of course, throughout, many incredibly tall buildings have mushroomed in Dubai.
But Toyota building remained there, both a landmark and a relic in the past. Cut to 2018 when the advertising contract for the sign expired and it was taken down. You can see a photo of the building without the Toyota sign here. But old habits are hard to change, the building was still called Toyota building (much like Lebanon's "Chevrolet" roundabout refers to a long defunct dealership, or Cola bridge in Beirut refers to a long shut-down Coca-Cola bottling company).
Well, here's the good news - the building seems to have regained its Toyota ad. Alfuttaim which owns the Toyota dealership for the Emirates decided to Reinstate the landmark banner.
So the Toyota building is the Toyota building again.