Hope probe launch: Emiratis stay up all night to see dream come true

Abu Dhabi - The Arab world's first interplanetary mission reached its space orbit and transmitted its first signal an hour after liftoff.

Several Emiratis stayed up all night to see their dream come true when the UAE's Hope probe to Mars launched succesfully in the early hours of Monday. The Arab world's first interplanetary mission reached its space orbit and transmitted its first signal an hour after liftoff.
"We made it! The UAE didn't just make history last morning, it also made the future that would benefit the entire world. This is something that we will tell our grandchildren," Abdullah Mohammed Rashid Al Dahmani, a government employee in Abu Dhabi, said.
The 46-year-old Emirati said the country has for long waited for this moment and that a "window of hope" has opened. "We are proud of this great achievement. My family members and I stayed up all night to witness the historical moment. We watched the launch of the Emirates Hope Probe to Mars with pride and joy and we congratulated each other after," said Al Dahmani. "It shows that any dream by anyone or any country can be achieved as long as you ambitiously pursue it."
Another Emirati, Mohamed Ghareeb, said the historical launch will open up new technologies and discoveries for the nation. "We are proud of this great achievement. We now believe that there are no limits to our dreams and this is a great inspiration to the young generation," said Ghareeb.
"By launching the Hope probe, the UAE has as usual proven that it is capable of making unique achievements."
Ashwaq Al Breki, who works with the Zayed Higher Organisation in Abu Dhabi, said the mission to Mars has opened "new frontiers of possibilities" for the UAE youths and inspired them to pursue space science.
"I waited all night to watch the launch and I enjoyed every moment," said Al Breki. "I am proud of my country and our great leaders because they are focussed and have prioritised such an ambitious agenda. With this new achievement, our young nation is creating a brand new industry that is transforming our science community."
ismail@khaleejtimes.com