About 1,800 jobs will be created at a new $3.5 billion steel complex in Bahrain, it was reported on Wednesday.

The project at the Salman Industrial City, Hidd, will turn Bahrain into a steel powerhouse to reckon with in the Middle East, said Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Economic Development Board chairman.

"This landmark national achievement is the fruit of the economic and industrial renaissance led by His Majesty King Hamad," the Crown Prince said in comments published by Gulf Daily News.

"The development march aims at diversifying sources of income and opening doors for skilled Bahrainis to seize their opportunities and enjoy rewarding salaries."

More than half of the jobs created will be reserved for Bahrainis, Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Minister, told the paper.

He said that the facility would employ 1,800 people by the time it is completed in early 2013, making it one of Bahrain's largest employers.