“The Grand Prix will create more than 3,000 temporary jobs, as well as more jobs created from other events held at the circuit,” he explained.
Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa pointed out that the F1 generates huge returns for Bahrain by regenerating interest in Bahrain as a friendly and hospitable environment. We are hoping to generate around $500 million of direct and indirect benefits for the Bahrain economy,” he said.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is especially important in the hospitality sector, with hotels usually running at 100% occupancy and half of the guests arriving by Gulf Air at Bahrain International Airport.
Responding to questions about security, Shaikh Salman said, ‘It is like every other event where all security is taken care of in co-ordination with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
He reaffirmed that the logistics of attending the race will not present any problem as visas are being issued in the usual manner and many attendees are already taking advantage of the e-Visa facility.
The CEO also discussed the expansion of the events calendar at the BIC in order to create more jobs throughout the year. “We are 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,” he said and noted that there are 200 events scheduled for this year.
The facilities at BIC are recognized as world-class and are therefore suitable for community and corporate events, as well as concert performances.