UAE Mars mission: A proud moment for every Emirati

Dubai - Happy Emiratis smile with victory gesture following the entry of the Hope probe into the Mars orbit, a few minutes after 8pm on Tuesday.

Published: Wed 10 Feb 2021, 7:13 AM

Updated: Wed 10 Feb 2021, 7:36 AM

By
Ismail Sebugwaawo

As they held their breath in the last few minutes before Hope’s entry into the Martian orbit, Emiratis across the UAE were brimming with pride. It was a historic moment and they share one feeling: ‘We are lucky to have seen this achievement in our lifetime’.

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Members of the Federal National Council (FNC), who held a session earlier on Tuesday, have expressed pride and happiness as they congratulated the UAE. “We congratulate our leadership on this unique scientific achievement. This achievement — which coincides with the golden jubilee of the UAE — clearly demonstrates that our country is exceptional, possessing intellect, ambition, creativity and innovation, and capable of making miracles and achieving all its dreams on the ground despite the difficulties and challenges,” said FNC member Sara Mohammad Falaknaz.

Dhirar Belhoul Al Falasi, an FNC member from Dubai, said the UAE’s aspirations distinguish it from the rest of the world. “The UAE looks to the future and we have seen those aspirations fulfilled from the era of Sheikh Zayed to this moment under the leadership of the the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

Another FNC member, Maryam Majid bin Theneya said: “A country of 50 years of age is achieving a lot in such short period because it believed that nothing is impossible.”

UAE national Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO of National Petroleum Construction Company in Abu Dhabi, said he is confident that Hope probe’s mission is just the beginning of grander things ahead for the country. “It defines the UAE as the first nation from the Arab and Islamic world to carve a name in the space research and exploration.”

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary-general of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, added: “It is historic moments like this that make me proud to be a UAE national and be part of a country of humanity, giving and hard work.

(With inputs from Ashwani Kumar)