You have created a new history: UAE leaders to Hope Probe team

Dubai - "This team of young Emiratis took the UAE to Mars with a determination and confidence that has inspired us all," said Sheikh Mohamed.

The UAE's leadership on Tuesday paid tribute to the Hope Probe team for their unparalleled contributions to the field of space sciences in the country.

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More than 200 engineers of the Emirates Mars Mission team were honoured at a special reception held during a ministerial retreat at Bab Al Shams.

The ceremony was organised in recognition of the team's relentless efforts to build and launch the Hope Probe, which made history when it successfully entered Martian orbit earlier this month on February 9.

Taking to Twitter, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said, "Today, as part of our ministerial retreat, my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and myself honoured the Hope Probe team — a team that we entrusted with a mission seven years ago and they proved to be up for the task."

The UAE has thousands of work teams in all sectors, whether economic, cultural, political, military or more, said the Dubai Ruler. "They are the secret of our country's progress... They work in one spirit and refuse to see this country anywhere but in first rank."

In a press statement, the UAE Vice-President further noted that the milestone is especially significant as it paves the way for the next 50 years.

“Celebrating the Hope Probe team as part of the ministerial retreat is a message that our projects over the next 50 years will be as ambitious as the Emirates Mars Mission. The Hope Probe is the best gift to dedicate to the people of the UAE on the 50th anniversary of our country,” he said.

“Our people are known for their humility and persistence," he added. "Their feet are on the ground, but their ambitions reach the sky.”

Echoing his sentiments, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also heaped high praise on the Mars Mission team.

“The Hope Probe team is the wealth of our nation. They have worked tirelessly, and today, our country is reaping what they sow. Our young people made us proud, raised our country’s flag to deep space and engraved the name of our nation in history,” he said.

The Mars mission was not only about reaching the Red Planet, the CP noted. It was to empower the UAE with knowledge and to nurture capabilities to lead the country to the top.

“The success of the Hope Probe team raised the ambitions of the next generation," said Sheikh Mohamed. "We start the journey of the next 50 years strong, with massive projects underway and a mission to prepare national expertise to lead the future.”

The UAE of the future will lead the region’s scientific and knowledge development, according to the Crown Prince, who stated that the country's institutions are "open for youth across the Arab world to be part of this journey”.

Addressing the Hope Probe team, Sheikh Mohamed said, “Our meeting today carries a special meaning as it comes after you have achieved the hope that everyone was waiting for. You have made your country, your family, your region and the entire Arab world very proud.”

He added, “What your children and grandchildren will learn at school today will be different than what we have learned in the past. By achieving the dream that many countries have long aspired for, you have created a new history for your country and your children and drafted beautiful stories we will narrate for the next generation.”

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