The UAE’s Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution has invited contractors to prequalify for a construction contract at the Al-Ain Wildlife Park & Resort project in Abu Dhabi emirate.

The institution will invite contractors to bid for work on three areas of the project known as Oasis World, African Village and North Kenya Safari.

At Oasis World, contractors will build an arrival plaza, children’s education area, restaurants and a lounge. The built-up area is 106,000 square metres.

At the African Village, contractors will build enclosures for animals including hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, meerkats and lions. The built-up area is about 26,000 square metres.

The North Kenya Safari will cover a total area of 575,000 square metres.

The overall wildlife park project will cover an area of 9 square kilometres and will include a zoo and safari park, recreating desert environments from the Arabian peninsula, Africa, Asia, Australia and America.

Contractors were invited to prequalify in August for a contract to build a resort hotel, villas and staff accommodation at the park (MEED 11:9:09).

The zoo is set to open in 2013.

The local Hilalco won the contract to build the park’s infrastructure in June.

US-based CH2M Hill is the programme manager. San Diego Zoo is a strategic partner on the project.