Cairo - MENA
Only days to the most important navigation event in the current century, Egypt is inviting people across the globe to tune into its ceremony marking the inauguration of the New Suez Canal on August 6.
Many world leaders will attend the ceremony, but those who won't be able to physically show up for the event can watch it live on the different satellite channels.
Egyptians have started celebrating already, with nationalistic songs being broadcast on the radio ahead of the big day.
Speeches of former presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar Sadat about the Suez Canal are re-aired. Also President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's addresses on the canal are recalled.
Streets and squares are now decorated with flags and banners announcing the date of the inauguration of the New Suez Canal.
Calls have also been circulating on social networking sites urging Egyptians to place flags of their country in their balconies and on their windows.
The inauguration of the New Suez Canal is considered a turning point in Egypt's modern history.
The New Suez Canal will massively increase the capacity of the existing canal, offering a good chance to boost the country’s economy.
The project, estimated to have cost about 8.5 billion dollars, aims at expanding the Suez Canal region's role as a global, industrial, and logistics center that is environmentally balanced with an integrated economy.
It is also projected to become a global hub due to its logistics and industrial services.
The new route will reduce navigation time from 22 hours now to only 11. Both canals will be connected by four smaller waterways and together will continue to provide the fastest route for shipping between Europe and Asia