Al-Futtaim Toyota and the UAE — driving forward together for 70 years

Toyota’s story has grown alongside the UAE’s. For seven decades, Toyota has been part of the UAE community, supporting the country’s development and evolving automotive culture. Today, Toyota UAE is a trusted, progressive brand, rooted in its rich history while looking ahead to the next 70 years and beyond.

Toyota’s UAE journey began in 1955 with the launch of Al-Futtaim Motors. At the time, Al-Futtaim was a growing trading company founded in the 1930s, and Toyota became the first brand to be distributed under its newly formed automotive division. The BJ Jeep and the Toyopet Master Saloon were the first models sold under the partnership.

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Designed in 1951 for Japan’s National Police Reserve, the BJ Jeep was built for off-road driving. It quickly became a common sight on the dunes and on the UAE’s early roads. Meanwhile, the Toyopet Master Saloon made a strong impression as a dependable, well-built passenger car for taxi, fleet and private drivers. It was an early example of Toyota’s affordable quality – a hallmark of the brand that continues today.

The early BJ Jeep and the Master can still be recognised on UAE roads through their modern successors. The BJ Jeep evolved into the enduringly popular Land Cruiser, while the Master’s legacy lives on in models such as the Crown, Corolla and Camry. The Land Cruiser has become a defining part of the UAE’s automotive landscape thanks to its strong off-road capabilities, while Toyota’s passenger cars remain a familiar and trusted presence across the country.

Al-Futtaim and Toyota have long symbolised the enduring relationship between the UAE and Japan. In 1970, the UAE (then the Trucial States) took part in Expo Osaka, marking an early moment of cultural and economic exchange between the two nations. Japan went on to become one of the first countries to recognise the UAE’s independence on 2 December 1971, further strengthening these ties.

Today, that legacy continues, reflected in the deep partnership between Al-Futtaim and Toyota. Their collaboration represents the shared values of the UAE and Japan: trust, ambition, mutual respect and an entrepreneurial spirit, forming the basis of a long-standing and productive economic relationship.

Jacques Brent, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Toyota, notes that the partnership with Al-Futtaim is about far more than selling cars. “Toyota’s cars are part of the landscape and the lifestyle in the UAE, and we take that very seriously. We want our customers to experience safe, enjoyable motoring, and we owe it to the UAE to bring new innovations to our showrooms, especially when it comes to green technology.”

A core part of the company’s forward-looking approach is its commitment to introducing Toyota’s sustainable mobility concepts to drivers in the UAE. In a market still largely dominated by petrol-powered vehicles, offering lower- and zero-emission models represents a meaningful step toward cleaner transport. This progress is supported by the strong partnership between the UAE and Japan, with Al-Futtaim and Toyota working closely to bring positive change to the country’s automotive landscape.

Toyota has long been a pioneer in the low- and zero-emissions segment, with the hybrid Prius selling in the millions since its launch in 1997. For the UAE market – whether for passenger cars, off-roaders or fleet vehicles – Al-Futtaim Motors now offers a choice of eight hybrid models.

This journey has come full circle. What began in 1955 with the BJ Jeep and the Toyopet has evolved into today’s lineup, including the Land Cruiser, Crown, Camry and Corolla – many of which are now available with hybrid powertrains.

As Toyota continues to innovate in the hybrid and electric vehicle segments, and with both the UAE and Japan advancing ambitious sustainability goals, its partnership with Al-Futtaim continues to make history in the UAE.

“The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a long-standing top-seller in the low-emissions segment and consistently features on reputable car recommendation lists as a reliable, affordable way to embrace eco-friendly motoring,” Brent added. “We’re proud to help UAE drivers take better care of the planet while also saving money on fuel costs – it’s a win-win.”

Along with being a leader in sustainability
Al-Futtaim and Toyota have built a strong reputation for customer trust and outstanding service. Brent notes that Al-Futtaim Motors’ extensive network of dealerships and after-sales service centres ensures the customer relationship does not end when a vehicle is driven off the forecourt: “We understand the importance of loyalty and we never take it for granted. We earn that trust by making sure every Toyota driver knows we are here to service and maintain their car, and to help them choose the best vehicle for their needs and budget.”

Even with this long history, the focus remains firmly on the future. As Toyota continues to introduce innovative sustainable mobility solutions, Al-Futtaim is committed to delivering these advancements to the UAE, ensuring Toyota vehicles remain a familiar, trusted and forward-thinking part of the country’s roads for years to come.