Kevin Hart at an event.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The five finalists of the UAE’s trending #MarsShot campaign, inspired by the Emirates Mars Mission’s (EMM’s) recently launched Hope Probe, have been shortlisted. The top three winners will be announced on August 5 during a live streaming event hosted by superstar Kevin Hart who will be joined by celebrity guest judges that include: award-winning storyteller, podcaster, author and former monk Jay Shetty, World Champion Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and co-founder of Global Citizen Hugh Evans. Noura Bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, is also part of the celebrity judging panel.

From the total number of applicants, ranging from artists and storytellers to humanitarians and environmentalists, the top five finalists who catapulted to the live event after an online public vote are: 24- year-old Dolly Aswani, from India, 14-year-old Ward Taim Hassa from Syria, 11-year-old Reina Özbay from the USA, 26-year-old Astrid Corina, from Romania and 27-year-old Williamson Sintyl, from Haiti. The inspiring dreams of the finalists range from building a walk-in centre for reading and writing in India, to inspiring the world through music to champion the plight of human trafficking.

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Entries were evaluated based on the originality, personal association with their dream, impact, message content and quality of presentation. During the virtual finale each finalist will be interviewed by the celebrity judging panel who will then select the three winners who will see their Mars Shots become a reality, making the impossible possible.

The global digital campaign, inspired by the UAE’s own Mars Shot — the Emirates Mars Mission’s Hope Probe that launched in to space on July 20 on an exploratory mission of the Red Planet — is a partnership between the UAE and Hollywood superstar Kevin Hart. It is an ode to the spirit of fearlessness and success that defines the UAE. Its goal is to make three people’s wildest dreams come true, thereby encouraging people to imagine the impossible and set goals and motivations that show there are limitless opportunities when people are determined to accomplish their dreams.

Online users across the world were asked to share their dream in a one-minute video posted on their Instagram accounts tagging #MarsShot. The campaign aims to spread positivity, unite people and drive their growth ambitions through showcasing their capability to achieve the impossible with willpower and determination.

Noura Bint Mohamed Al Kaabi said: The “MarsShot” campaign is an Emirati message of hope to the whole world. Filled with enthusiasm, strong will, and the spirit to overcome challenges, this message reflects the UAE’s model of making its ambitious aspirations a reality. It is evident that the campaign presented our country’s agenda and intentions towards science and humanity. It also illustrates our efforts to help mankind turn dreams into reality to serve a greater purpose. The interaction with the campaign creates new opportunities for the younger generation, despite the difficult circumstances we go through as a result of Covid-19. We are very proud of the outcome, and we aim to continue to follow the path drawn by our leaders to spread education and maintaining hope and positivity when overcoming challenges.”

Kevin Hart said: “Watching thousands of people dream big, especially during this time, shows the resilience to overcome. I am moved by all the entries and hope this has inspired people to always push forward. I am committed to empowering individuals to change their realities for the better and I could not have wished for a better partner to start this movement than The Emirates.”

Sania Mirza said at some point we all realise we are here for a higher purpose.

Sania Mirza said: “At some point we all realise we are here for a higher purpose and a bigger calling than to serve ourselves. The MarsShot is testament to giving inspired individuals the tools to harness their dreams to make a difference in the world."

Jay Shetty said: “It is so important to encourage each other to dream, especially at a time of so much global change. Dreams can help drive us into the future. Embrace your dreams, not your pain, as pain seeks to pull you back into the past. The response is inspiring to me because it shows me that humanity has the strength to dream even in difficult times.”

The MarsShot campaign is part of the UAE’s wider mission to make global contributions that help build a better future for humanity. As part of this priority, the UAE is committed to making these dreams a reality.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.marsshot.ae