CAIRO: Marwa el-Slehdar, Egypt’s first female shipmaster will participate in the New Suez Canal inauguration ceremony Thursday on board of Aida IV ship, Ahram Gate reported Wednesday.
“Although I have always dreamt about participating in the inauguration, I had a mixed feeling of fear and pleasure when I knew that I will participate as a Second Officer to be the first and youngest Egyptian and Arab female shipmaster participating,” Slehdar Said.
Marwa el-Slehdar, Egypt’s first female shipmaster
Aida IV, with its crew led by Captain Abdel Hamid el-Kady, has sailed a few days ago to the New Suez Canal to participate in its inauguration ceremony.
“When Aida IV entered the canal, I have realized the efforts exerted to accomplish the project in a short time,” Slehdar added.
On August 5, 2014, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi has launched the digging of a 72-Kilometer-long canal parallel to the original Suez Canal to be accomplished over a year at the cost estimated at 60 billion EGP ($8 b.)
Earlier this month, the 150-year-old royal Mahroussa yacht arrived in Ismailia governorate to accommodate President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi for a cruise scheduled to take place during the inauguration ceremony Thursday.