Local developer Aldar Properties has invited groups to prequalify for a contract to build a water park on Yas island.

The prequalification process has been initiated and construction work is due to start in July 2010.

UK-based Atkins has been appointed as the consultant for the 16.4 hectare water park project.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2012.

In April, Aldar awarded the local/UK Al-Futtaim Carillion an estimated AED120m ($32m) contract to build a new Ikea furniture store on Yas Island.

The 29,642 square metre retail outlet will be Ikea’s largest store in the Middle East. It will have a total sales area of 18,100 sq m, a 2,100 sq m restaurant with 600 seats, and a parking structure with 1,563 parking spaces.