Hope Probe: Tony Robbins pays tribute to the UAE's vision for youth

Dubai - The motivational speaker spoke at length about why the UAE's space mission means so much more than its potential contribution to the field of science.

World-famous life coach Tony Robbins has paid rich tribute to the "example" that the UAE has set for its youth, ahead of the country's historic Hope Probe arrival at Mars on February 9.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, took to Twitter on Friday to post the video by the motivational speaker, in which he speaks at length about why the UAE's space mission means so much more than its potential contribution to the field of science.

"Marhaban, I’m Tony Robbins and I’m reaching out because I’ve had the privilege of visiting the UAE multiple times," Tony begins in the video that's nearly 3.5 minutes long.

"This is a time of great celebration and should be acknowledged throughout the world," he said, noting that while China and the US also have space missions in play this month, it's the UAE's space orbiter that's the game-changer.

How does a small country — which many people knew as a desert — put out a probe that can help us understand our place in the universe, Tony asks, before answering his own question. "The answer is simple," he says. "Your belief in human capabilities... This is what my life’s all about — but to see a whole country focused this way is extraordinary."

In the video, the motivational speaker goes on to tick off all the salient aspects of the UAE mission that make it stand out: from being led by a team of more than 200 scientists and engineers where the median age is 27, to the fact that 34 per cent of the team consists of women.

"The Emirates represents the finest example I know of tapping into real human potential," he says. "They've based their nation on the idea that resources are not scarce when we dream big enough."

Addressing the country directly, he adds, "You refuse to take on any limitations or any stereotypes placed on the Arab or Muslim world and you don’t let that define yourselves. Its something to be so proud of. You’ve chosen to break that ceiling."

Ultimately, the celebrity speaker said, this mission to space is going to change something far beyond its contributions to the global science community.

The Hope Probe sends a message of inspiration to young people across the world, he said. "When we fulfil our potential as individuals, we find a way to benefit society as a whole. I believe the Emirates has set an example of what governments are capable of doing once they believe in their people and empower their youth.

"Thank you for your example and I hope all the young people in your country celebrate this day — the day you went from the desert to Mars in 50 years. Congratulations on an incredible achievement."

• Hope Mission To Mars
• Dubai