UAE, China to celebrate Mars missions together: envoy

UAE, China to celebrate Mars missions together: envoy

The UAE Ambassador to China has said that both countries will be entering into the Chinese New Year with much optimism as their respective Mars missions achieve success.

Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to China, stated, "Spring Festival upon us as we enter into the Chinese New Year, many of us are looking with hope to the future. It is apt that at the cusp of this new year, there is optimism on the horizon, with both the UAE and China achieving respective arrivals to the orbit of Mars."

In an Op-Ed in the China Daily, Dr. Al Dhaheri said that, "Mars missions from our two nations will arrive within one day of the other – the UAE's on February 9th and China's on February 10th. By the time Spring Festival rolls in, both of our nations will be united in celebration.

He added that in the UAE's case, the Mars mission is called the Hope Probe and after "the challenges that have stretched every aspect of our lives, we will indeed look with great hope to this new Chinese year so full of promise."

Following is the Op-Ed