President Abdel Fattah El Sisi arrived at the venue where El Mahrousa Yacht was docked to herald the start of the inauguration ceremony of the New Suez Canal.

The president, wearing a military uniform, boarded the 150-year-old yacht and is accompanied by Suez Canal Authority Chairman Mohab Mamish.

Helicopters were seen flying over the Suez Canal the moment the yacht began setting sail.