DUBAI // More than 1,000 cyclists took part in a 65-kilometre memorial ride on Friday to pay tribute to a popular triathlete who died last September after he was hit by a car driven by a drunk driver.
An infectious, enthusiastic spirit powered the 1,150 riders participating in the Ride For Roy organised by TriDubai, which was co-founded by the late Roy Nasr to support triathletes.
“This is to celebrate the life of a man who was an inspiration to so many,” said Paul Venn, an organiser with Race ME, which hosts triathlon events.
“It is a chance for people to pay their respects to a man who was never happier than when on his bike. The thought of more than 1,000 people on a ride with jerseys with his name would have put an enormous smile on his face.”
The ride began at 7.30am and followed a route past the Atlantis hotel on the Palm Jumeirah to the Meydan bike track where the group took a short water break before heading back to the starting point.
Grouped in batches of 100, the cyclists were dressed in red “Remember Roy Nasr” jerseys and were followed by support cars for safety.
Absolute beginners joined seasoned athletes, swimmers and triathletes to complete the ride between two-and-half and four hours.
The large numbers reflected people’s regard for Nasr, said Mr Venn, a friend for 20 years.
“He was a competitive triathlete but always had time for a word for you,” he said. “You could not help but like him.”
This was echoed by Chris Khouri, an IT manager who took to triathlons after a 2009 motorbike accident left him disabled below the chest.
“Roy was a motivator and such a warm person,” said Mr Khouri, strapped to a low-slung bike that he operates with his hands.
“He would call me every couple of months to chat and he didn’t have to. He has left behind a legacy. He touched so many people because of his positivity.”
The community was shaken when Nasr, 49, a father of two, was hit from behind during a training ride with friends near Safa Park in Dubai on September 6. Two of his training partners were also injured. Nasr died at the scene.
The Appeals Court in November upheld the one-month jail term for the 24-year-old driver from the Philippines and ordered his driving licence suspended for six months.
The driver admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol and five charges of causing death, risking a person’s safety, damaging property, drink-driving and illegal drinking.
Several memorial events have since been held in tribute to Nasr.
Andrew Garrett, who knew Nasr for 16 years, said safety had become a critical factor after his death.
“Roy was always careful and after his death people are even more careful,” said the partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“I don’t know any group that sets off without a support car and flashing lights. It has raised awareness levels. This ride is to cherish his memory and it’s something we want to do as a regular feature.”
Seth Chappels, founder of Dubai Masters Swim Club where Nasr also trained, said several swimmers had bought bikes to train for Friday’s ride.
“Roy was a natural leader and had a certain aura about him, so whether it was in the sea or in the pool he would give others a boost and help them swim a bit quicker,” Mr Chappels said.
“He helped people up their game. The whole sporting community lost a great guy and coming here was a way to show that we do remember him.”
The event included several newcomers to the sport who did not know Nasr but believed in the cause.
“It’s very important for the family to know that all these people are around to support them,” said Alaa Bounasredine, who works in an Abu Dhabi furniture company.
“They need to know they can count on many people.”
Funds raised will go towards the education costs of Nasr’s children.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday
AC Milan v Sampdoria (2.30pm kick-off UAE)
Atalanta v Udinese (5pm)
Benevento v Parma (5pm)
Cagliari v Hellas Verona (5pm)
Genoa v Fiorentina (5pm)
Lazio v Spezia (5pm)
Napoli v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Roma (5pm)
Torino v Juventus (8pm)
Bologna v Inter Milan (10.45pm)
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The Old Slave and the Mastiff
Patrick Chamoiseau
Translated from the French and Creole by Linda Coverdale
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free
Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets
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