More than 3,000 temporary jobs are set to be created by his year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, in addition to hundreds of other job opportunities stemming from other events held at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), said a top official.

'We are, naturally, proud to host the Formula One race but we have ensured the BIC remains busy throughout the year with a host of other events lined up,' said BIC chief executive officer Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa during the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Salmaniya at the Gulf Hotel.

'We have a total of 200 scheduled to be held this year alone. The world-class facilities are capable of playing host to corporate and community events as well as large and small concerts which can benefit from the facilities.'

Shaikh Salman said in the long term, F1 was an event that would generate huge returns for Bahrain.

'Be it for the employment or for the good of business, there is something in it for everybody,' he said.

It is also expected to help generate interest in Bahrain and bring to the fore its renowned hospitality and friendliness.

'We are, this time around, hoping to generate around $500 million of direct and indirect benefits for the Bahrain economy,' said Shaikh Salman.

He revealed that during the event hotels reported 100 per cent occupancy rates and event sponsor Gulf Air benefited considerably because 50 per cent of all overseas visitors use the airline to travel to Bahrain.

Shaikh Salman added there were no security concerns for the event.

'It is like every other event where all security is taken care of in co-ordination with the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile),' he said. 'Visas are also being issued as before.'

Shaikh Salman said Bahrain had generated a lot of interest among motor racing fans as well as teams.

'An audience of between 300 and 500 million watch the race all over the world and get to know Bahrain and its people,' he said.

Shaikh Salman was welcomed by club president Dr Bashar Ahmadi, who praised his achievements. – TradeArabia News Service