Eurovision will transmit live pictures of the opening of the new 74 kilometer section of the Suez Canal waterway to broadcasters around the world on Thursday 6 August.

Together with Egyptian EBU Member ERTU, Eurovision will distribute an HD signal from the inauguration ceremony hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi between 10:30 and 20:30 GMT. The feed will be offered rights free and free of charge to all broadcasters worldwide.

The Egyptian President will be joined by world leaders at the ceremony to witness the first time that canal traffic has flowed simultaneously north and south through the Red Sea-Mediterranean crossing. Delegations from over 121 countries will participate in the ceremony of Egypt’s New Suez Canal.

French President François Hollande will be the guest of honour.

In addition, the Eurovision Special Events team will be providing journalists covering the event with broadcasting services including HD/SD Standup positions with a backdrop of the canal and playout facilities.

The Eurovision News Exchange will also be providing EBU Members with coverage.