UAE landmarks turn red in celebration of momentous Mars mission

Dubai Frame and the Museum of the Future among the structures that will light up in final days of Hope probe's journey to the Red Planet

Global Village in Dubai is bathed in red light ahead of the Hope probe's arrival in Martian orbit on Tuesday evening. Pictures by AP / EPA / Dubai Media Office

Emirates Palace is lit up on Friday night

The Dubai Frame in Downtown Dubai

Dubai Canal'a waterfall is illuminated. EPA

A slow exposure with zoom effect picture shows Dubai Canal illuminated. EPA

Residents watch the light show in Business Bay. AP

W Abu Dhabi Yas Island pictured from across the marina

The Museum of the Future in Dubai. EPA

Some of Sharjah's most impressive public landmarks were part of the show

Ajman Museum pictured this weekend

The Gate building at Dubai International Financial Centre

The Burj Al Arab in Dubai

Fujairah fort is pictured at the weekend

Fujairah mall is bathed in red

A stairway in Sharjah turns red ahead of the arrival of the Hope Probe.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi turns red ahead of the arrival of the Hope Probe.

RAK municipality building

Roads and bridges in Sharjah

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, showing a countdown to February 9 and the probe's arrival in Mars' orbit. Image: AFP

A view of Bluewaters Island and the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel. Image: AFP

Landmarks in the UAE are on red alert for the Hope probe's historic journey to Mars.

Dubai Frame, the emirate's Museum of the Future, Dubai Canal and Dhayah Fort in Ras Al Khaimah are among the attractions that will be bathed in red each night until the probe's planned arrival in Mars orbit on February 9.

The Hope probe will attempt to enter the Red Planet's orbit at 7.42pm GST, in the Arab world's maiden mission to Mars.

While the mission has gone smoothly since its launch on July 20 last year, the most challenging part of the journey is fast approaching.

Statistics show that only 50 per cent of Mars missions succeed, with orbit insertion being one of the most complex stages.

It requires the spacecraft to decelerate incredibly quickly to be captured by the planet’s gravity. Because of an 11-minute communication delay between mission control and the orbiter, Hope will carry out the process autonomously.

The craft will use its six thrusters to propel itself into the orbit, but if two or more of the thrusters fail during the attempt, it will mean mission failure. Hope has only one shot at orbit insertion.

The National visits Dubai's mission control – in pictures