Massive celebrations erupted in Egypt today after 82-year-old Hosni Mubarak officially stepped down as president of the largest Arab country in the world.

After 18 days of mass demonstrations, the people of Egypt succeeded in ousting Mubarak, who has used martial law to stay in power for 30 years.

On a day when few people need to work because Friday is a day of prayer, streets are filled with jubilant Egyptians seeking a new democratic governement.

Omar Suleiman, speaking on state television, said Mubarak had decided to give up "the office of the president of the republic" and said the Supreme Council of the armed forces would "run the affairs of the country."

Mubarak left Cairo for the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Skeikh.

(READ more at MSNBC.com)