UAE Hope Probe a source of pride for local football community

Dubai - Nothing is impossible for the UAE, says sporting fraternity.

As the UAE’s Hope Probe makes its foray to Mars, the country’s football community has hailed the mission as a source of pride and inspiration.

Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi, the vice-president of UAE Football Association and the chairman of the UAE Pro League, as well as players — both Emirati and foreign — said the word impossible doesn't exist in the country’s lexicon.

“I’d like to express my profound appreciation and gratitude to the wise leadership on this occasion,” Al Junaibi said in a statement.

“It represents a source of pride, inspiration and belonging to the UAE, which has become the first Arab and Islamic country to send a probe to Mars, in a step that confirms the leadership's support for science, development and future planning with ambition and determination,” he added.

“The national cadres who supervised and executed the Hope probe make us even more proud. They were supported by the wise and visionary leadership who provided the UAE citizens with unlimited support in order to develop knowledge, scientific research, space applications that benefit mankind and establish a sustainable knowledge-based economy that promotes diversification and encourages innovation,” he said.

To celebrate the milestone, the first leg of the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final on Tuesday was played under the slogan ‘Hope Probe.’ The Hope Probe slogans were displayed, along with visual effects, on the giant screens and the electronic screens at the Al Maktoum and Zabeel Stadiums.

“It sends a message to younger generations that they are capable of building the future and achieving big dreams in an ambitious country where nothing is impossible,” Al Junaibi added.

In a video message, various players shared their thoughts.

“The UAE is set to make history on Tuesday,” said Khor Fakkan defender Fawzi Fayez.

Yahia Nader, midfielder with a record 13-time Arabian Gulf League champions, said: “The Hope Probe is an Emirati achievement.”

Ajman’s Brazilian midfielder Diego Jardel Koester said: “The UAE is the land of inspiration,” while UAE international and Al Wahda midfielder Khamis Ismail said: “The Hope Probe is a dream come true.”

Hatta midfielder Essa Walid Obaid said: “The Hope Probe is a source of pride to every Emirati,” while Ittihad Kalba’s German striker Peniel Mlapa said: “In the UAE, nothing is impossible.”

Al Dhafra defender Khalid Butti Al Zaabi said: “The Hope Probe is the culmination of hard work and diligence,” while Ajman goalkeeper Ali Mohamed said: “We’re all hopeful for Hope Probe.”

Slovenian defender Miral Samardzic, who showcases his trade for Hatta, said: “Hope Probe is source of pride and inspiration,” while Khor Fakkan coach Caio Zanardi said: “A young country with big dreams. The UAE to Mars, what an achievement.”

An all-round sporting endorsement for the country’s ambitious Red Planet outreach.

james@khaleejtimes.com

• Hope Mission To Mars
• Dubai