Next month’s Formula 1 race in Bahrain will provide a $500m boost to the Island’s economy and create 3,000 temporary jobs, according to the Bahrain government.

Last year the race was cancelled after widespread protests against the ruling Al-Khalifa regime ended with the imposition of martial law and the arrival of troops from neighbouring states including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

“We are hoping to generate around $500 million of direct and indirect benefits for the Bahrain economy,” said Sheikh Salman bin Isa al-Khalifa, chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit where the race is held.