El-Sisi directs heightened readiness at Suez Canal navigation sites amid Middle East war

CAIRO – 15 March 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has stressed the importance of maintaining full readiness at all operational sites linked to Suez Canal navigation amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, the presidency said.

El-Sisi met with state officials on Sunday to review the impact of the regional war on the canal, including its effects on shipping traffic and supply chains.

Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Osama Rabie briefed the president on the urgent measures taken earlier to respond to the evolving situation, including raising the preparedness level across all canal facilities.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi meets with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie, 15 March, 2026. Presidency

Rabie emphasized that navigational services across the Canal continue around the clock.

The president underscored the need for continued safety monitoring procedures and all measures to raise preparedness at the SCA service facilities.

El-Sisi’s remarks come two weeks into the US-Israeli war and retaliatory Iranian strikes against several countries in the Middle East. The escalation has drastically hit global trade, driven up energy prices, and deepened regional instability.

Suez Canal Projects

During the meeting, El-Sisi also reviewed the progress of several SCA projects, including the Red Sea Shipyard Development Project, the Luxury Yacht Manufacturing Project, and the "RIZK " Fishing Vessel Construction Project.

The president also checked on the status of the high-seas fishing fleet, national efforts to build and sell marine tugboats, and the River Bus Manufacturing Project updates.

He stressed the need to complete all projects within their scheduled timelines and adhere to the highest international standards to ensure the quality of products and services.

Technology Integration

The meeting also reviewed the SCA’s efforts to integrate digitization and technology, including the expansion of electronic applications.

The president stressed that the digitization initiatives should achieve their intended goals, particularly in controlling expenditures, ensuring good governance, and improving operational efficiency.

He also directed ongoing cooperation with top global companies, advancing industry localization, and expanding international marketing to reach new export markets.