American motivational coach Tony Robbins said the UAE’s Mars mission represents the world’s “finest example” of success in tapping into the power of human potential.
He made the comment in a video shared by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Robbins addresses Emirati nationals, speaking about “your country”.
He said the UAE’s young people should celebrate February 9, when the Hope probe attempts to enter the Red Planet’s orbit.
“The day you went from the desert to Mars in 50 years,” he said.
Robbins is one of the world’s most successful life coaches. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, joined a crowd of thousands to hear him speak in the emirate in 2019.
Worth an estimated $500m, Robbins came from humble beginnings. His stepfather struggled financially and the family often could not afford to celebrate Christmas or Thanksgiving.
Vowing to become rich to help others, Robbins made good on his promise young, earning his first million at only 24.
He has written several books and regularly hosts high-energy speaking events to help people to think positively.
Robbins called the UAE’s achievement “extraordinary”.
“How does a small country ... develop a probe which can start to help us to understand our place in the universe?
“The answer is simple. Your belief in human capabilities. This is what my life is about. But to see a whole country focus this way is extraordinary.
"You have been led by a team of more than 200 scientists and engineers. The average age is 27 years old and 34 per cent of them are women.
“The Emirates represents the finest example I know of tapping into the real human potential.”
It showed, he said, resources are not scarce when we “dream big enough”.
He said the Hope programme offered a message of inspiration that the impossible was possible.
“That we are really capable of doing anything when we set our minds to it. And we don’t let anything limit ourselves. Because when we limit ourselves, we limit our contribution to society,” Robbins said.
“When we fulfil our potential as individuals, we find a way to benefit society as a whole.
“And I believe the Emirates has set an example of what governments are capable of achieving once they believe in their people and they empower their youth.”
